Section 1) Baptism Preparation – “First meetings”
Families who are asking to have their children baptized are asked to call to arrange a meeting with Father Jim Ferry at 973-325-0110.
(Section 2) The Godparent’s Profession of Catholic Faith
In the Rite of Baptism, the Sponsors (i.e., “Godparents”) renew their own “Baptismal Promises” and profess faith in all that the Catholic Church teaches and believes. The sponsor may serve in this lifelong role without being physically present on the day of baptism.
Please read Section 6, explaining your Profession of Faith as a Catholic.
(Section 3) Selection of a Godparent (i.e. “Sponsor”)
Insofar as possible, a child to be baptized is to be assigned a sponsor also known as a Godparent. In the case of an infant baptism, the role is together with the parents to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism
Regarding the number of sponsors, there may be either 1 male sponsor or 1 female sponsor or 1 of each. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor for the baptism of a child, the person must be:
- designated by the parents and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;
- at least 16 years of age;
- Catholic who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of Baptism and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on. (Reference: Code of Canon Law 873, 874).
The sponsor is asked to provide a certificate of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This may be obtained by contacting the church where the Sacrament of Confirmation took place. An original is not needed. A copy or electronic image is sufficient.
Please note that a sponsor (godparent) need NOT be present at the Baptism. Another person may stand in as “proxy” for the Godparent. At least 3 weeks before the Baptism date, please select and communicate to the parish office the names of the godparent(s) - with the Confirmation certificate(s).
(Section 4) Two Videos to Watch
AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT IS BEING ASKED OF THE GODPARENT
WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM?
(Section 5) Schedule for Baptism
Baptisms are - usually - celebrated the first Saturday of the month at 11:45 am. However, you are asked to call the rectory to complete the above steps including the meeting with a parish priest and the godparent requirements so that we can finalize the date with you.
(Section 6) Profession of Faith / "I Believe in God the Father"
Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catechism n. 198 ► Our profession of faith begins with God, for God is the First and the Last, (cf. Isaiah 44:6) the beginning and the end of everything. The Credo [“I Believe”] begins with God the Father, for the Father is the first divine person of the Most Holy Trinity; our Creed begins with the creation of heaven and earth, for creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God's works. (Catholic Catechism, n. 198)
The Implications of Faith in One God
Catechism n. 222 ► Believing in God, the only One, and loving him with all our being has enormous consequences for our whole life.
Catechism n. 223 ► It means coming to know God's greatness and majesty: "Behold, God is great, and we know him not." (Job 36:26) Therefore, we must "serve God first". (St. Joan of Arc)
Catechism n. 224 ► It means living in thanksgiving: if God is the only One, everything we are and have comes from him: "What have you that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7) "What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me?" (Psalm 116:12)
Catechism n. 225 ► It means knowing the unity and true dignity of all men: everyone is made in the image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:26)
Catechism n. 226 ► It means making good use of created things: faith in God, the only One, leads us to use everything that is not God only insofar as it brings us closer to him, and to detach ourselves from it insofar as it turns us away from him:
My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you.
My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you.
My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.
(St. Nicholas of Flüe, cf. Matthew 5:29-30, 16:24-26)
Catechism n. 227 ► It means trusting God in every circumstance, even in adversity. A prayer of St. Teresa of Jesus wonderfully expresses this trust:
Let nothing trouble you / Let nothing frighten you
Everything passes / God never changes
Patience / Obtains all
Whoever has God / Wants for nothing
God alone is enough.
(St. Teresa of Avila, Poesías, 30, in The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila)
