We will be happy to assist you in preparation for the baptism of your child.
Baptism is the first sacrament we receive which opens the door to the Church.
Through Baptism, we have new life in Jesus Christ. We become members of Christ and the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Through Baptism a person receives forgiveness of original sin as well as personal sins. The newly baptized person receives sanctifying grace and is sealed with a permanent spiritual mark. This is why Baptism can be celebrated only once.
BAPTISM OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN
Thank you for looking into the sacrament of Baptism for your child at Our Lady of Czestochowa. Just as you are grateful to God for the gift of your child, we are thankful to Him for the blessings you will bring to our parish family as well. We are looking forward to sharing the journey towards Baptism with your family and continued life of faith together.
Dear Parents, It is a blessing and joy for you! At the same time, it is a great responsibility. As you present your child for Baptism, the celebrant will say:
"You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?"
With faith you will respond: We do.
Before the Baptism, you will meet with one of our priests or deacon for the preparation session. Please bring with you a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
We also invite the godparents you have chosen for your child to join you for this meeting.GODPARENT'S ROLE
We recommend you watch the presentation from Fr. Mike Schmitz, “Role of Godparents" below.
As Fr. Mike says. “You don’t have to be perfect to be a godparent! All you have to do is do your best to love Jesus, to love the Church, and to love this child.” At the same time, please note that there are some specific requirements for those to be considered as godparents. A godparent must be an active practicing Catholic, over 16, received your Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and have no impediments (e.g. Married, but not in the church).
If you have already asked someone to be a godparent please be sure to share this and the next video with them.
Fr. Mike on what it means to be a “practicing Catholic”: