BAPTISM
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church and is the foundation to Sacramental Life. It is the first Sacrament that you as parents will speak for your child. In Baptism, we are cleansed from Original Sin, which we inherited from Adam and Eve, and we are initiated as members of the Christian faith Community.
BAPTISM SYMBOLS
Sign of the Cross: The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians because Jesus died on the cross. Parents and godparents are asked to trace the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead to show that the child belongs to Christ, who now offers His help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings in life.
Water: Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
Holy Oils: At the beginning of the Baptism Rite, the priest anoints the child to be baptized with the Oil of Catechumens, which strengthens him or her and protects from evil and sin. After the child is baptized, the Chrism Oil, a mixture of olive oil and balsam, is placed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
White Garment: A white garment or stole is placed on the child by the godmother. It is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection.
Candle: The baptismal candle is lit from the Pascal Candle by the godfather. It is a sign that the light of Christ has entered into the child’s life and the flame of faith will burn through the child’s life.
GODPARENTS
There are no more than two Godparents who should be chosen based on their ability to help raise the child with the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. At least one of the Godparents must be Catholic.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT GETTING BAPTIZED AT OUR LADY OF HOPE
Do we need to be a member of Our Lady of Hope Church?
Families should be registered members of Our Lady of Hope Church and practice their faith on a regular basis. While we understand that some families are not registered, we recommend that you become registered with Our Lady of Hope or another parish to ensure that the child is brought up in the Catholic faith by attending Mass at the parish.
Do we need to set up a baptism prep class prior to the Baptism?
If this is your first child, you will need to schedule a class.
How do I sign up for the class?
Please contact Donna Rawson at 315- 469-7789 or at drawson@syrdio.org to schedule a date and time to meet.
When are baptisms held?
Baptisms are held either during or following the 4PM Mass on Saturday or the 8:15AM or 11:15AM Masses on Sunday.
How do I schedule a baptism?
We request that you provide a primary and secondary date and Mass time. You can schedule the baptism by contacting Donna Rawson at 315-469-7789 or at drawson@syrdio.org.
Do I need to complete any information for the baptism?
Yes, we request that you complete the Baptism Register. Please contact Donna Rawson at drawson@syrdio.org.
Can I receive paper copies regarding the Sacrament of Baptism?
Yes, you can receive paper copies by contacting the rectory at 315-469-7789 or at info@ourladyofhopesyr.org.
Are there requirements for Godparents?
At least one of the Godparents must be Catholic. If they are registered at another parish, we request that they obtain a Sponsor Certificate by contacting their parish rectory. The Sponsor Certificate can be mailed to the attention of Donna Rawson at Our Lady of Hope Church, 4845 South Salina Street, Syracuse, New York 13205.
Does it have to be a priest to baptize a child?
No, a deacon may perform the baptism.
Is there a fee to have the child baptized?
Our Lady of Hope does not require a fee to have your child baptized. Many families do provide a monetary gift to the priest or deacon.
Is there an age limit to have my child baptized?
For children 7 years and older, additional baptismal preparation sessions must be scheduled under the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIA) Please refer to the RCIA program under Sacramental Preparation for Youth.
How does an adult age 18 and over seek baptism?
Please refer to the Sacramental Preparation for Adults.