Parents and Godparents with respect to the Pre-Baptism class is arrange at a mutual time and date with our Baptismal team. The class is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

1. Classes are mandatory for parents and godparents. If you have received instruction within the last two years, and are from another parish, please present a recent certificate of completion from the parish to which you took the training or belong.

2. Godparents (at least one): [See the special sheet to be filled out by the Godparent]
     a. Must be an active and registered parishioner and a practicing Roman Catholic.
     b. Completely initiated in the Roman Catholic Church (baptized, confirmed and have made their First Communion)
     c. 16 years or older
     d. If married, married in the Roman Catholic Church

3. If Godparents are not from one of our clustered parishes, they need to get a letter from their pastor and church stating that they are able to be a Godparent.

4. Canon Law requires that parents of the infant being baptized need to register in one of our clustered parishes. If the parents are not, permission must be obtained from their “home” parish and pastor.

5. A $25.00 donation (or more depending on family’s abilities) is given to the church for sacramental preparation, baptismal certificate, ministerial stipend and other office paper work. The donation is given during the registration process to the secretary in the front office.

6. The process for enrolling in the baptism class and celebration is as follow:
     a. To be interviewed by the pastor and register for the baptism class
     b. Complete the proper paperwork with the pastor (birth certificate, paternal records, etc. needed)
     c. After the class, register for the celebration of the baptism.


DIRECTIONS:
Our clustered parishes welcomes you and your child into the Catholic community. We are happy to celebrate this important day in your child’s life. Please share this information with family members, godparents and others involved with the Infant Baptism.

Holy Name of Mary Church – Marysville

St. Charles Borromeo Church – Read

St. Vincent de Paul - Deseronto

Before Mass

1. Arrive at the church 15 minutes before Mass begins and meet at the back of the church [Godparents as well].
2. Place your items in the front pew(s), for before and after the baptism.
3. Please remove hat and loosen the neck of the garment the child is wearing in preparation for baptism.
4. The church will provide a stole, towel and candle.
5. After the rehearsal, you’ll receive the baptismal certificate that is for the family to keep.
6. Pictures and video cameras may be used throughout the ceremony, however with respect and discretion.


Introductory Rites (At the time of Mass)

1. The opening rite takes place at the entrance of the church.
2. The assembly will be invited to participate
3. The child, parents & godparents will gather at the entrance to the church.
4. The deacon or priest will ask several questions which you will answer:
     a. What is the name of the child?
     b. What do you ask of God’s Church?
     c. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
     d. GODPARENTS: Are you ready to help these parents in their duty as Christian mothers and fathers?
5. The deacon or priest will sign the child with the “Sign of the Cross.” Parents, godparents and others present will also trace the “Sign of the Cross” on the forehead of the child.
6. The altar servers, lectors and families with children will process in front of the priest and go to the assigned places in the pew.
7. Remain standing to listen to the Collect (Opening Prayer).


Liturgy of the Word

1. Listen attentively to God’s word. There is a First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading and Gospel. 
2. After Homily the deacon or priest will invite you to proceed to the font.

Liturgy of Baptism

The child, parents and godparents are asked to stand behind the Baptismal font.

1. Preparatory Rites – After a prayer, your child may be anointed with the oil of catechumens.  This oil, blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday, is reserved for those to be baptized.
2. The “Profession of Faith” with the assembly.
3. Be prepared to hand the child to the priest or deacon and announce the name loudly.
4. The priest or deacon at this point baptizes the child by pouring the blessed water over the child’s head and saying ‘N’ “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

5. The minister will anoint the child with Chrism (server or deacon brings the oil from the Ambry).
6. Presentation of the Candle:

7. The minister will pray over Ears & Mouth (optional).
8. The families return to their pews while the congregation claps.
9. If there is a “Litany of Saints” sung, there are NO Petitions (General Intercession).


Liturgy of the Eucharist

1. During the Preparation of the Altar & Gifts Song & Collection(s).
2. Mass continues as usual. Singing and praying the parts of the Mass helps your children.

3. All STAND and SING during the Communion Rite.


Concluding Rites

1. Prayer After Communion
2. Meditation or Reflection
3. Announcements
4. Blessing of Parents (optional)
5. Closing Song
6. After the song has finished, you may take additional pictures.

Other items:


1. Do not forget any items! Thank you for giving a donation to the church for the baptism and baptismal preparation classes. We appreciate your generosity and look forward to many years of praying for you and children.
2. It’s never too late to sign up for our catholic schools to continue their faith formation!
3. Do not hesitate to feed your child any time.
4. Please know that it is OK to step outside, or into the vestibule if the child becomes agitated. Come back into the pew when you feel comfortable.
5. Children love to see things. Encourage your family to sit close to the front each week. It is OK to come and go from the celebration if you feel that you need to do this. The members of our clustered parishes are a kid, friendly, family community.