Baptism

Congratulations on the birth of your child! A newborn in our midst can lead us to reflect more deeply on the mystery of God’s great love for us. As a parent, you are the first model of God’s love to your child and the first teacher to your child in the ways of Faith. May God bless you with wisdom, strength and grace as you live out your responsibilities as a Christian parent.

Baptism for Infants and Children

Baptism is the first Sacrament and the gateway to all the other Sacraments. Through it we become adopted children of God and members of his Body, the Church. Our Christian Faith tells us that in Baptism, we:

• are reborn through water and the Holy Spirit as adopted children of God;
• join Jesus in his death and resurrection as we pass through the water;
• become members of the Church in which the Holy Spirit dwells and acts;
• become disciples of the Lord Jesus;
• are given the pledge of eternal life; and
• are forgiven of sin and transformed into a new creation full of God’s grace.
  
  

Preparation for Baptism

When you are ready to have your child baptized, please complete the Baptism Registration Form and send it to the Parish office at least three (3) months in advance of your intended date to register your child for the Sacrament. The parents will then meet with the baptism coordinator to complete the registration form and ask any questions they have at this time. Parents are required to complete a Baptism Preparation course. The course consists of three sessions that take place over several months. Baptism Preparation courses are conducted several times during the year and all sessions are required. The course can be taken before the birth of your child.

The Parents’ Commitment

The celebration of Baptism is the first step in the making of a Christian. Following Baptism, your child begins the journey of Faith toward full membership in the Christian community by the eventual celebration of his/ her First Holy Communion and Confirmation. As a spiritual duty, parents are expected to nurture the faith life of their baptized child each step along the way and to bring them up practicing the faith, including regular Sunday attendance at Mass. This is the commitment parents make on their child’s baptismal day. Parents are also encouraged to become active in the parish by becoming involved in a ministry program.

• Plans for a baptism? Let the Office know and, with your consent, we will pre-announce it on our website, Bulletin and/or our Weekly Update email for family and friends to celebrate with you and your infant! The Celebration of Baptism is normally conducted five or six times a year at Holy Name of Mary church. When scheduled, Baptisms are preformed during or after the 10:30 am Sunday Mass. 

For more information or to register your child for Baptism, please contact the Parish Office by email, or call 613-256-1034.

What Will Happen at the Baptism?

The following is a brief outline of the Baptism Rite when celebrated during Mass:

1. Reception of the Child. The parents and godparents are questioned about their intentions and the child is claimed for Christ.
2. Preparatory Rites. After a short prayer, the priest anoints the child with the Oil of Catechumens for spiritual strength.
3. Rite of Baptism. This includes the blessing of the water, the vows of renunciation, the profession of faith, the Baptism, an anointing with Sacred Chrism, the clothing with a white garment and the lighting and presentation of the baptismal candle.

When Baptism is celebrated outside of Mass, a Liturgy of the Word comprising of a proclamation of Sacred Scripture and the offering of intercessions occurs after the reception of the child. The celebration concludes with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, and special blessings on the parents before the final blessing and dismissal.

What About Godparents for My Child?

Godparents have a very special role in Baptism and in the faith journey of the child and the parents. Godparents help the parents so that the child will come to profess the Faith and live by the teachings of the Church. There are certain requirements to act as a godparent. Godparents need to be practicing Catholics in their parish. If the godparent does not belong to Holy Name of Mary Parish they will need to provide a letter of recommendation from their parish priest. Parents should inquire at the Parish Office regarding these requirements prior to asking any individual to assume this important spiritual role.

Baptism for Adults

If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Baptism for yourself, kindly see our Adult Faith Formation/ RCIA page, and use the contact form. We will be happy to assist you.