What is Baptism?

The Sacrament of Baptism is the “gateway to the other Sacraments and necessary for salvation by actual reception or at least by desire” (Canon 849).

According to the law of the Church, “The celebration of Baptism must be prepared properly” and as such, parent(s) who wish their child to be baptized must be properly instructed and there must be a “founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion” (Canon 868.2).

When are Baptisms celebrated at Visitation BVM?

Baptisms can be schedules for either the 1^st Sunday or the 3^rd Sunday of the month.

• On the 1^st Sunday Baptisms are at 12:30 in the upper church. There is no limit to the number of children to be baptized.
• On the 3^rd Sunday of the month baptisms are held during the 11 am Mass and are limited to 3 children to be baptized.
• Private baptisms can be held on any Sunday at 12:30 however it is strongly encouraged that you have a priest or deacon for a private baptism. We cannot guarantee the availability of a Visitation priest or deacon.

What do Parents Need to do?

Parents requesting their child be baptized at Visitation BVM Church are required to attend a Baptism Preparation session. These sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month. This class is intended to help your understanding of the sacrament and awareness of the responsibilities of Catholic parenting. It is suggested that parents attend this class during the middle trimester of the pregnancy, so that participation in this program might influence your choice of godparents. This program is an opportunity to meet with other parents who are also preparing for Baptism. The atmosphere is informal; questions are encouraged. To register for a class and schedule a Baptism, please call the Rectory at 610-539-5572.

Godparents

Godparents are required to submit a completed eligibility form from their registered parish no later than one week before the scheduled Baptism.

Godparents must meet eligibility requirements including:

• Are at least sixteen (16) years of age.
• Have received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) in the Catholic Church.
• Are living and intend to live in conformity with the laws of the Catholic Church regarding marriage. For instance: If divorced and remarried, the previous marriage has been annulled and are remarried in the Catholic Church. If divorced and have not remarried, living the vocation of the single life in conformity with the Catholic Church.
• Are not cohabitating with someone outside the Sacrament of Marriage.
• Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and receive the sacraments of the church (Holy Eucharist and Penance) regularly.
• Understand and accept these responsibilities which you undertake and promise to pay special attention to the person to be baptized.

 

    To Request a Baptism*

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• Name of Child*
• Phone*
• Address*
  
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• Date of Birth*
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• Father’s Name*
• Religion of Father*
• Mother’s Name*
• Mother’s Maiden Name*
• Religion of Mother*
• Were parents married by a Catholic Priest?*
• Godfather*
• Is Godfather a Catholic*
• Godmother*
• Is Godmother a Catholic*
• Is either Godparent represented by Proxy?
• Name of Proxy*
• Was the child privately baptized?*
• Was the child adopted?*