Baptism

Baptism is the gateway to the Christian life and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism saves us from a futile way of life and gives us a new dignity as children of God and a new destiny as heirs to the heavenly Kingdom of God.  Baptism makes us members of the Church and personally known and cherished by God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  By the command of Christ, baptism is necessary for salvation, though God Himself is not bound by His sacraments.  The Church follows the command of Christ to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We are excited to celebrate the sacrament of baptism with you and your family.  In order to celebrate this sacrament with integrity, it is important that the parents are ready to profess the Catholic faith and raise the child in the practice of this faith.  At least one parent must be an active member of St. Ann.  If asking for baptism as a guest/former member of St. Ann, at least one parent must be an active and practicing member of their home Catholic parish.  It is discouraged to present a child for baptism if at least one parent is not actively practicing the faith, and committed to raising children in the practice of the faith.   Parents must also attend a baptism class if they are presenting a child for baptism for the first time.  

A godparent/sponsor is necessary for baptism.  Two are preferred, with one being male and the other female, so as to mirror the sacrament of marriage.  A godparent must be a practicing and confirmed Catholic who upholds the Church's unity in faith and morals by manner of life.  Non-Catholics or non-practicing Catholics if baptized may serve as Christian witnesses, but only godparents/sponsors who will provide an exemplary witness to the Catholic faith may be listed as official godparents on the child's sacramental record.