“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit… and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

Baptism is a sacrament of initiation. A sacrament is a sign “Signs, when applied to divine things, are called sacraments.”

By bringing a child to the waters of Baptism, an invitation to another Life has been extended to this child.  This is a Life far above our earthly life and, yet a Life which will carry and continue for eternity all that is wonderful and lastingly important in this life of the human race.  This new life is life in Christ.  Indeed, we have been invited to live this life in humanity for the sole purpose of being invited into life in Christ.

The symbols of Baptism are: Signing with the Cross, Anointing with the Oil of Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, pouring of Holy Water, clothing with a white Baptismal Garment, and the presentation of a Lit Candle.

To prepare your child for Baptism there are two meetings for parents to attend.  Children and Godparents are also welcome to attend these meetings.

Why does my Parish have a class for parents before Baptism?   

Children are Baptized in the faith of the Church:  the faith of the parents, Godparents, the local parish, the Church throughout the world, the Saints.  Sometimes this sense of Church becomes a pale backdrop to what is understood as primarily a private family event.  Thus, parishes bring together a number of families to meet, discuss, and pray with one another.  Looking at the vast reality of what Baptism means to them, for their children, for the parish, and for the church.

Because this is so important, parent sessions were mandated by the new Rite of Infant Baptism in 1969, immediately after the Second Vatican Council.  The Church wanted to reach out to parents to assist them in many ways, but especially to help them see this big connection:  Baptism connects us-for life-to a world wide family which gives us privileges and responsibilities.

Baptism is the first of seven Sacraments and is celebrated at St. Peter’s Parish on the last Sunday of scheduled months during Mass.  Our hope is to make a connection to the larger Parish Community.  When a new baby enters a family, every member of the family is affected by the addition of this new member!  It is very similar in our Christian Family.  Those who are already a part of our Church family are affected by this brand new member and have responsibilities:  they are called to be witnesses, to share their faith with him or her and to guide him or her in the ways of Jesus: to offer support in difficult times, to share prayer and worship, and to always give good example.

Welcoming each new member is therefore the responsibility of all those who have been Baptized.  It is not a private affair.

Godparents:  Church Law (Canon 872-874) asks that Godparents be at least 16 years of age and have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist).  He or she should lead a life of faith in harmony with the duty undertaken.  Godparents may not be one of the parents of the child, nor the person being Baptized him- or herself.  Only one Godparent is required for Baptism but traditionally, the names of two Godparents are recorded on the Baptismal record.  When pastoral circumstances warrant, one of these sponsors may be Baptized non-Catholic Christian as a witness of the Baptism.

Baptism at St. Peter’s

The schedule for  2020 is as follows (All classes start at 6:30pm):

• Prep Class Jan 21 – Baptism Jan 25
• Prep Class Feb 25 – Baptism Feb 29
• Prep Class Mar 24 – Baptism Mar 28
• Prep Class Apr 21 – Baptism Apr 25
• Prep Class May 26 – Baptism May 30
• Prep Class Jun 23 – Baptism Jun 27
• Prep Class Sep 22 – Baptism Sep 26
• Prep Class Oct 20 – Baptism Oct 24
• Prep Class Nov 24 – Baptism Nov 28

If you wish to register for baptism, please fill out the registration form here. If you are not already registered as a member of the parish, please contact the Parish Office. If you have any additional questions, please contact your Baptismal prep team: Nancy Kirkham and Cathy Turcotte (call Nancy Kirkham at 705-472-7790 ext 4249).

A Family Blessing Prayer 

O God of Blessing, we thank You for our home together.
May the story of Jesus be always alive in our home.
May the Spirit of Hope keep us together.
May the love of God and the friendship we share be ours forever.
May Your Blessing, the Blessing of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit come upon us and be with us forever.
Amen