Baptism is the premier sacrament of the Church, giving all of us our beginning
in the life of Christ and in the Church
As the first of the sacraments, Baptism prepares for the regular sharing in the Eucharist. Neither sacrament can be understood in isolation from the other. This implies that for an infant to be baptized, there must be some real expectation that the Eucharist will follow. Without at least one parent living this 'practice of faith' in his or her own life, there would be no living link to lead the baptized child into the experience of Eucharist.
The normal and practical 'sign of faith' is that parents be registered in the Parish and regularly sharing in the life of that community at the Eucharistic table.
At least one parent must be a registered parishioner one month prior to the actual baptism. When the parent's wedding has not been celebrated 'in the Church,' steps can be taken to have it 'blessed' and honored as a fully Christian marriage and sign of Christ's love.
Godparents
Because godparents support parents in the important task of raising their child in the Catholic faith, at least one of the godparents must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic, sixteen years of age or older. We ask that godparents prepare for their role in this child's sacramental life by registering for the baptism seminar.