Baptism

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)

Baptism of Adults - takes place through our RCIA program Please call the office for information 919-231-6364

Baptism of Children

The Church requires “that there be a well-founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic religion.” (Can. 868.1) Parents contact the Parish Office and express the desire for Baptism for their child. Please do not consider setting the date for a child's Baptism (and finalizing travel plans for grandparents and godparents) before meeting with the Pastor well in advance of any date you have in mind.

Godparents

At least one godparent is required. “For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult - on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255)

A godparent is to be a witness, an inspiration, a rock solid example of what it means to be a Roman Catholic in today’s world. That means that the person must be a Catholic not only in name but by the life they lead each day.

In the Code of Canon Law, a book with the laws that govern and guide the life of the Catholic Church, there are specific regulations regarding sponsors (godparents) for the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation.

The requirements for godparents are

  • not less than sixteen years of age.
  • a Catholic who has received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
  • registered and active members of their parish.
  • living in conformity with Catholic morals and in good standing with the Catholic Church (if married, married according to the laws of the Church).
  • may not be the mother or father of the person to be baptized.
  • Finally, they must obtain a Sponsor Certificate, attesting to their fulfilling the stated requirements, from the parish in which they are a registered member.

Before asking someone to take on the role of a sponsor, please be sure they fulfill the requirements of the Church.

Contact: To schedule a baptism, please call the Parish Office at 919-231-6364.