Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, making us sons and daughters of God and members of the Body of Christ and freeing us from sin. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into the Catholic Church, the community of faith. When we are baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Baptism enables us to receive the other sacraments and to grow in the life of the Risen Christ.
Many Catholics receive this sacrament as infants. Before infants are baptized, the parents (and often the godparents as well) receive preparation for their child’s sacramental faith journey. Adults and teenagers who have not been baptized and who wish to become Catholic usually participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. After this period of formation, they receive the Sacraments of Initiation, which include Baptism.
The process for baptism is as follows:
- Read through the FAQ's below and make sure you are ready to fill out the request for Baptism form
- Fill out the request for Baptism form below and hit submit
- Our Parish is using an online Baptismal preparation resource called 'Belonging', which you can complete from the comfort of your home. Once you've submitted the request form we will send you a link.
- Once you have completed the online course we will arrange a time for you to meet with one of our parish Priests for a conversation and book a date for your baptism.
- Please note that in order to be baptized at St. Isaac's you have to belong to our Parish Community. Please review the FAQ's below for more details on what it means to belong to our parish.
What if we don't live in Pickering/belong to the parish community?
The normal place of Baptism is your parish community. Your parish community is defined by one of two ways:
- by the geographic boundaries of the parish; or
- by where you attend Sunday Mass.
If you do not live in Pickering, you are encouraged to seek Baptism at your local parish, where your child will most likely be receiving their other sacraments. Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to begin to build a relationship with a new parish community. We are more than happy here at the parish office to assist you in finding your closest local parish, just give us a call or an email!
If this is the parish you regularly attend, and you would still like to have your Baptism here, you will need to get a letter of permission from your local parish. More details about how to obtain the letter will be provided to you once we receive your form.
What time should we arrive at the church for the actual Ceremony?
Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your child’s Baptism. Parents and Godparents are asked to be seated in the front pews. Other family member and guests alike may find a seat anywhere in the church.
Can we take pictures and videos of the Ceremony?
This practice is encouraged so long as it does not interfere with the ceremony itself. The reception of this beautiful Sacrament should be treated with importance. Try to be discreet with regards to pictures – we want you to participate fully in the celebration of the Baptism.
Do we have to complete the Baptismal Preparation Program?
Yes. The completion of the preparation course by parents is a sign of their commitment. It will also help to prepare for the celebration. We do not require godparents to complete the Baptismal preparation course, but they are more than welcome to watch the videos with you, so that they too understand what they are undertaking in their promise to be a godparent.
Do we have to meet with a Priest prior to the Baptism?
Yes. After you have completed in all the necessary forms and submitted your Baptismal certificates, you will be invited to complete the Baptismal Preparation Program. Once that is complete, we will send you a link to meet with one of our parish priests to discuss the Baptism and select a date.
Can our child be Baptized if we are not married in a Roman Catholic Church?
Yes, but it will require preparation and participation in the Sunday worship. Ultimately, this decision is left up to the individual priest in dialogue with each couple. We strongly encourage such a marriage to be validated or witnessed in the Church prior to the setting of a date for Baptism. The validation of a marriage can be looked upon as a great opportunity for a couple to renew their love for one another.
Who can fill the role of Godparent(s)?
A Godparent must be a baptized Roman Catholic at least 16 years of age. It is customary for both a man and a woman to fulfill this vital obligation. At least one Godparent is required. At the request of the parents, a baptized and believing Christian not belonging to the Catholic Church may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent. If two godparents are chosen, one must be female and the other male. If one godparent is chosen, she/he can be either male or female. The Godparents commit themselves to journey with the child – to help them grow in relationship with God
Can we have a private Baptism?
Baptisms are to be a communal celebration. Private baptisms are only permitted in extreme circumstances.
What do we need to bring To The Ceremony?
A baptismal candle will be provided by the parish as a remembrance of your child’s Baptism. We ask that you bring your faith and a real sense of enthusiasm. You are making a commitment on behalf of your child, a commitment to bring your child into a loving relationship with Christ, a Commitment to pass on your faith and love for Christ and his Church remembering always this maxim: if you celebrate your faith – so will your child.
When considering Baptism for your children, please keep in mind the following points:
- Children are baptized to bring them into a living relationship with Jesus and with the Roman Catholic Church.
- Children should never be baptized just to fulfill the entrance requirements of the Catholic school system.
- The Church will never rush baptismal preparations to meet school registration deadlines.
- Before Baptism can be celebrated the pastor must be assured that the child will be raised in a strong Catholic Christian environment where he or she will receive an authentic education in the Catholic faith and the Christian way of life.
- Our Catholic schools exist to support parents in their role as the primary religious educators of their children, not to supplant or replace them.
- To have a child baptized at least one parent must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- If you have not been attending Sunday Mass, we encourage you to introduce yourself to the parish priests and to spend some time re-acquainting yourself with the parish community.
- Your child will never really feel at home in the Roman Catholic Church if he or she grows up in a place where Catholic Sunday Mass is not at the centre of family life.
If your child is over the age of 6, they will need to complete additional preparation to receive Baptism. This will be discussed with the parish priest and communicated with you once we receive your form
Below are some suggestions on how you, as parents, can help you prepare for your child’s Baptism, and begin your role as their primary educator in the faith:
- Participate in Sunday Mass.
- Look at pictures of your own Baptism to see the general procedure of the Service.
- Talk to your godparents about what it was like to be your godparent.
- Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Write a letter to your child to be read at their First Communion. In the letter include:
- How you felt when your child was born.
- Why you are excited about celebrating the sacrament of Baptism.
- How you chose your godparents.
- One message that you hope your child will always remember.
- Make a gift for your child that represents God’s love.