BAPTIZING YOUR BABY

AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

"I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."

BAPTISM

Baptism is the external sign celebrating the entrance of a person into the total Christian Community as well as into a specific parish family such as St. Francis Xavier parish. This reality, being welcomed into a family, is what we celebrate at Baptism, and this reality should exist. It is obvious that almost every parish falls far short of being this ideal Christian Community that we envision, but our aim is to become that ideal Community. We want to be so much like our early Christian ancestors that it can be said of us as it was said of them: See how these Christians love one another. The responsibility falls on each of us.

At Baptism the Christian Community welcomes and accepts the child at the invitation of the parents. Thus, next to the parents as the single biggest influence on the life of a child, the Christian Community is the biggest gift parents can give to their children. However, in order for the Christian Community to help parents in the formation of the child, he or she must be present to it and in it. The support of the rest of the family, the Christian Community, helps parents realize that they are not alone in raising their children. We are all responsible in some way, and we work together to shoulder that responsibility.

Therefore, communal Baptism, with other children, is strongly encouraged.

Summary of Steps for having your child baptized:

1. You must first be a registered/active parishioner at St. Francis Xavier. There is a three month wait from the time you register to the time you can take the classes for Baptism and have your child baptized.

2. Register your child for baptism, Please fill out the Baptism Registration Form. Once completed, please send or deliver it to St. Francis Xavier, 4715 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

3. Interviews are required for parents. We will contact you for this interview. The interview must be completed PRIOR to your taking the Baptism Class. Please bring a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate to the interview.

Age of Infant Baptism

Parents should see to it that their children are baptized within a reasonable period after birth. Arrangements for baptism should be made as soon as possible after birth. Once children have reached the age of reason (usually first grade), they would enter the Religious Education program to prepare for the Sacraments of initiation, including baptism.

"Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.
It is to just such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." (Mark 10:14)

Requirements for Parents:

1. At least one parent must be a Catholic.
2. After your interview, you must attend the Baptism Class which we offer here at St. Francis Xavier. Parents may attend a class at another parish (please provide a certificate of completion with the Baptism Name and date of Baptism in the upper right hand corner, clearly printed).

Mail the certificate to St. Francis Xavier, 4715 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012, Attention: English Infant Baptism.

Requirements for Godparents:

1.    A Godparent must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic, (baptized, confirmed and receiving the Eucharist), at least sixteen years of age and be willing to accept the responsibility of supporting their godchild in faith.  (If married, must be in a sacramental marriage.)

2.    At a minimum, one godparent must be a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church as described above. A second person of the opposite sex may also be named. This person may be either a Catholic or a person baptized in another Christian tradition. [Please note that baptism is required of those named as godparents for baptism.]

3.    It is not a diocesan requirement that godparents participate in the preparation process asked of the parents.  However, their participation in the baptism class may be a benefit to them as a faith growth experience.

Suggested Donation: $100
There is no charge for the Sacrament of Baptism. However, if you would like to contribute to the on-going support of St. Francis Xavier and its Ministries you are welcome to do so. Your gift can be given at the class or at the time of your child’s Baptism.

Thank you.