The baptized child grows in faith in light of the example and formation given by parents, catechists and the whole Christian community of faith.   Gradually, the child is fed spiritual food as he/she grows in the understanding of the faith and can eventually learn to say with Saint Paul and all Christians, "Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God Who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Points to Ponder about Baptism
1. What does the baptism of your child mean to you?
2. What is your understanding of what it means to raise your child in the Catholic faith?
3. What does it mean for you as a family to belong to the Church?
4. How would you describe the Church's expectations of you as parents?

If parents are not married in the Catholic Church, they may wish to make arrangements to have their marriage con-validated in the Church with a priest. Becoming a married couple in Christ based on his teachings sets a powerful example to your child and to the community as a whole.

If parents feel that they cannot commit fully to living out the Catholic faith, they are asked to wait until they feel they are ready. Baptism can only reach its full purpose when the parents take the active role of sharing their Catholic faith with their child. Postponing baptism permits parents to reflect on the tremendous commitment that is asked from them in this sacrament.

The most traditional way that Christian Catholics express their faith and commitment to Christ is by gathering each Sunday to thank and praise God for all he has given us. To not attend Sunday mass regularly is to not understand the importance of being a Christian. It is expected that all parents of children to be baptized will attend Sunday Liturgy regularly.

A Note to Godparents

A Christian knows that following Jesus is not easy. We need each other's support to guide us and remind us that through good times and bad, we must live out the Gospel. Even Jesus realized this when he sent his followers out in pairs to support each other.

Parents need support and encouragement, too. In baptism, we have godparents -- men and women who represent the community and are willing to be active sponsors.

Godparents are obliged, just as parents are, to teach the child by example. They may help the parents in a variety of ways:

1. By providing the parents with moral support.
2. By maintaining a close relationship with their godchild, and showing interest in his or her spiritual development.
3. By commemorating the anniversary of the birth or baptism of their godchild, perhaps with the giving of a small gift to the child on the appropriate date(s).

Parents need to consider carefully who their child's godparents will be. If parents want to choose someone who is not active in the church, they may wish to invite him or her back into their home parish. A letter is needed from each godparent's parish priest that recommends the person as a potential godparent.

If the parents have a special friend who is a member of a different Christian denomination, they may choose that one friend as a godparent. (One godparent must be Catholic.) This person's name will appear on the baptismal record and will be referred to officially as a "Christian witness" to the baptism. A minimum of one Catholic godparent is needed, and a maximum of two will have their names on the baptismal certificate.

One (preferably both) godparent (s) must be at least 16 years of age who has completed the sacraments of initiation; Baptism, Confirmation and Communion and is a practicing Catholic who is on a spiritual journey of faith and the other godparent must be a baptized Christian or Catholic. The role of the godparent is to be another person of faith in the child’s life who can help nurture their faith and to be a support to the parents in raising their child up in the church.

Our Lady of the Lakes Parish is happy to welcome parents and their children to the saving waters of Baptism.   Please download both forms below and either fax (305-558-2631), email to meg@ollnet.com  or bring in person to the office to schedule your date for class and for celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. As preparation for the first child to be baptized in a family, we ask that the parents and godparents take one catechetical session before the Baptism. Baptisms are celebrated weekly in your choice of English, Spanish or Bi-lingual celebrations.

Please note: No baptisms are celebrated during Lent. This is in keeping with the spirit of Lent, which is a time of preparation for those to be baptized at Easter.

A donation of $50 is requested to help defray the cost of materials used in our baptism preparation. However, no one is ever denied any service or any sacrament because of an inability to pay.

Please call 305-558-2202 ext.  545 to speak with Meg McHugh well in advance of the expected date.