Baptism is the first Sacrament a Catholic receives.  It makes a person a member of the Church and transmits Christ’s promise of everlasting life.  When an infant is baptized, the faith of the parents bringing the child for baptism is essential., since baptism is ultimately dependent on faith.  At Holy Infant Parish, children are baptized in the font at the front of the church using water that is poured over the head of the child with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” 

 
Congratulations

You either are or soon will be the parent of a newborn child.  We know that the new life you are ushering into the world  is part of God’s plan.  By deciding to have your baby baptized you are making a strong statement that you want to share in that plan and are willing to teach your child about God, who is love. 

 First Things First

Even before the birth of your child you should call the Parish Office to begin preparation for baptism. A tentative date for the baptism can be scheduled, but normally the date is determined after the child is born.  Baptisms can occur on almost any day depending on the parish schedule, but they usually take place after one of the weekend Masses.  Sometimes, two or more children are baptized at the same time.  Upon request, infants can be baptized during one of the weekend Masses.   Depending on their other duties, either Father Weiss or Deacon Kramer will be the minister of baptism.  If you wish, another priest or deacon in good standing can be invited to administer your child’s baptism, if he is agreeable. 

When is a Child Baptized?

A child is normally baptized as soon as possible after the birth.  In rare instances, the child will be baptized in the hospital setting when a medical condition exists that may threaten his or her life.  Some people present their child for baptism several days after the birth, others will wait several months, even up to a year or more.  As a rule of thumb, it is best to have infants baptized within their first three or four months. 

When is Baptism delayed?

The minister of baptism can only baptize those infants who will be reared in the practice of the Catholic faith.  Sometimes it happens that people who have not been practicing their faith for a long time will ask to have their child baptized into the faith.  Baptism will then be delayed until the minister is assured, through a renewed involvement in the parish, that at least one of the child’s parents has returned to the practice of the faith and will transmit the Catholic faith to the child.  If your marriage is not recognized by the Catholic Church, your child’s baptism will not be delayed for this reason alone, but this may provide the opportunity
to speak with Father Weiss or Deacon Kramer about celebrating your marriage within the Catholic Church, or seeking an annulment for a prior marriage, if required.