Congratulations to your family during this wonderful time!  As you ask to have your child Baptized into the Body of Christ, we at St. John the Evangelist parish, rejoice with you.  We hope that your experience in preparing for your child’s Baptism will reaffirm your Baptism and commitment to your faith.

 

In preparing for your child’s Baptism, attendance at the following meetings is required:

Ø      A Baptism Preparation Meeting with other families from the parish also preparing for Baptism.  This meeting is an opportunity for you to share your decision with others and discuss the impact it will have on your family, now and in the future.  These normally meet the first Sunday of each month, 12:30  to 1:30 PM in Room 28 at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center.

Ø      Baptism and You: This class addresses the theology of Baptism and the symbols that express that theology as well as the ceremony and meaning behind each element of the ritual.  At least one parent must attend; Godparents are encouraged to attend as well.  This class normally meets the last Wednesday of each month, 7:30 to 8:30 PM in room 13/14 at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center.

Ø      A Personal Meeting: Normally about a 30 minute meeting with the priest or deacon who will preside at the Baptism.  This is an opportunity to get to know your family individually, to assist you in scheduling your child’s Baptism, to answer any questions you might have, and to prepare registration documentation.

 

The following clergy personnel from the parish are available to perform Baptisms.  You may call them directly to set up the date of the Baptism and a time to meet with them.  Clergy from outside are welcome to perform the Baptism as well.  We will need a letter from their diocese or religious order stating that they are a priest or deacon and have the faculties to perform a Baptism.  Here is contact information for clergy from St. John:

 

Msgr. Tillman:  410 964-1425              Deacon Benjamin: 410 730-1543

Fr. Buening:  410 964-1437                  Deacon Gifford: 410 964-1431

Padre Antonio: 410 964-1432

 

Questions You May Have...

What is Baptism?
“Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church.) It is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist. Through Baptism, as with the other six Sacraments, we encounter the Living Christ in his passage from death to new life. By this encounter, we are freed from the power of sin and death, become members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and so rise to new life and to a new way of living.

When should we have our baby baptized?
We encourage parents to present their children for Baptism as soon as is reasonably possible after their birth. Therefore, it is a good idea to contact the parish prior to the baby’s birth so that Baptism can be scheduled in a timely fashion. However, we also realize that situations in life don’t always allow for Baptism to happen shortly after the birth of a child, and we will welcome children or adults of any age who want to be baptized. Baptisms are celebrated at the Masses for the Lord’s Day on the weekends and/or in small groups on Sunday afternoons, once a month.

Why do we celebrate some Baptisms during Mass?
Baptism welcomes us into the Body of Christ, the Church. By water and the Holy Spirit we become the children of God. Baptism is not a private act but a public expression of, and participation in, the Church’s faith. The celebration of Baptism, therefore, calls for the active participation of the community. The whole community welcomes the child and promises our love and support as a tangible expression of God’s love and goodness. Because Sunday is the weekly celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection, by which we have new life, celebrating Baptism at one of the Lord’s Day Masses, when the parish community gathers for worship, indicates the connection between the Church, the Eucharist and this newborn member of the Church and your family. It also reminds us that the journey of faith will lead your baptized child, one day, to join you and the larger community at the table of the Lord for the Eucharist. At the Eucharist, all Catholics are nourished by the Word of God and Christ’s Body and Blood, so that we can be better witnesses of God’s love to all people. The communal nature of Baptism calls for the celebration of Sacrament within Mass or in small gatherings with other families. Due to the large number of Baptisms here at Our Lady’s, we have both small group celebrations once a month and Baptisms during many Masses for the Lord’s Day.

Who can be godparents?
Godparents should be faithful people who are baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. Church law requires that at least one godparent is a full member of the Catholic Church. It is possible for the second godparent to be a member of another Christian Church. Our tradition is one godmother and one godfather. If you have questions regarding godparents, please speak to Rosemary Seibold. When choosing godparents, it is important to consider the responsibility of a godparent, namely, people who will support the parents in bringing this child up in the Catholic Faith and who will be a good role model for this child.

The Day of the Baptism
Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the time the service is supposed to begin. The first of two pews, reserved for your family, will be marked with your child’s name. A team member will lead you to the sacristy to lay out the baby’s garments. Baptisms usually begin promptly at the designated time.

Can we use cameras and videos at Baptism?
Cameras and videos are allowed. However, the people taking photographs are asked to be courteous and not obscure the view of others. The priest will be available after the ceremony for additional pictures.