411 Springfield Pike • Wyoming, OH 45215 • (513) 948–1218
BAPTISM
The first of the sacraments of initiation
We’re so happy that you are considering baptism for yourself or your child!
St James has 3 different programs to prepare for baptism, to suit the different needs of different ages.
· Children from birth through second grade
A preparation meeting is required for all first-time parents, and for all parents who have not had a child baptized here at St James.
“Experienced” parents (those who Have had a child baptized here before) are encouraged to attend a session to help reflect on the baptism of this particular child, and to get a deeper understanding of the sacrament.
A family from the Baptism Prep team will meet with you at your mutual convenience. These meetings usually wrap up in under 2 hours. Please contact the parish office or email decaon.conrad@juno.com to start the process.
You are strongly encouraged to attend the program Before the baby is born (it’s easier for You that way), but you can certainly bring your child to the meeting if a pre-birth session doesn’t work out!
After completion of the meeting, you will be able to schedule your child’s baptism.
· Children from third grade up
The child is required to attend a series of meetings to prepare for the sacrament. These meetings are usually led by Sr Caritas Martinez, RSM. Upon completion of the series, you will be able to schedule your child’s baptism.
Please contact Sr Caritas Martinez, RSM (caritasrsm@hotmail.com) for more details.
· Adults
Adults participate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program. Please see the RCIA link for more details. Contact Deacon Conrad (deacon.conrad@juno.com) for more information.
Scheduling Baptism
For children, Baptism is available at Mass or outside Mass, depending on your needs. We regularly reserve 12:30 on the 4th Sunday of every month (3rd Sunday in December) for baptisms outside Mass, but other times are available if you can work out a time/date with Fr Jack or Deacon Conrad. To schedule your child’s baptism, simply contact the parish office after completing any required preparation.
For adults, Baptism is generally at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday). You will learn more about this as you participate in the RCIA program.
Godparents
Godparents are special people who walk the faith journey with their godchild.
Godparents are people who you select as role models for your child. This is not an honorary or inherited title. It doesn’t merely pass to the next family member in line. Godparents are there to assist the child in the ways of the faith, and to assist the parents in their role as Christian Mom and Dad. As such, there are several requirements for godparents:
· a child must have at least one, but no more than two godparents
· if two godparents, one must be male and the other female
· godparents must be at least 16 years of age
· at least one godparent must be Roman Catholic
· Catholic godparents must be a fully-initiated (i.e. they have received baptism, confirmation, and holy Eucharist) Roman Catholic who currently practices their faith
· the other godparent – technically called a “Christian Witness” if they are not Roman Catholic -- must be a baptized Christian who currently practices their faith and is in good standing in their own denomination
As you choose godparents, consider the role that you want them to play in your child’s faith journey. What do you expect the relationship to be in 10 or 20 years? Godparents are for a lifetime, not just for a ceremony!
The preparations programs include some discussion of godparents. You’re encouraged to wait until after your preparation to choose godparents, so that you know what you’re relay asking them to do!