Parents of children to be baptized should contact the parish office three months in advance to schedule a Baptismal Preparation Class for first time parents and godparents, as well as selecting an available date for the Baptism.
Baptisms are usually celebrated on Sundays during the celebration of Mass.
Occasionally Baptisms outside the context of Mass will be offered on a Saturday by a Deacon.
Adults and children over the age of 6 are baptized after completing the stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children.
Please contact 561-832-3757 ext. 301 for more details.
Excerpt from The Vatican’s “Catechism of the Catholic Church” on Baptism:
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”
This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as “a new creature.”This sacrament is also called “the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one “can enter the kingdom of God.”
Continue reading at: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3G.HTM
Or at: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
Children between 7 & 18
Baptism is an initiation into a community, so it follows that those seeking baptism would participate in community life.
Since your child(ren) is/are old enough to understand what living life as a baptized Christian entails, they will take part in a special process of being fully initiated by receiving the initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, just as they did in the early church. The length of time depends on the readiness and dedication of the person seeking baptism.
The goal of the process is to develop a real relationship with our God that will express itself in love for our neighbor. In some cases, it may mean changing attitudes, habits or lifestyle.
This form is for all children/teens who are 7 years or older who have not been baptized. Complete it and mail it the office. ATTN: Carlos Rendon, Director of Religious Education 310 N Olive Ave. WPB 33401 – Include a $60 fee for materials.
St. Ann offers 2 programs for those seeking to enter the Catholic Church: Infant Baptism and Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Infant Baptism Preparation Classes
(For Children up to 6 years of Age)
The Church requires parents and Godparents to attend preparation classes so that they are well-prepared for this first sacramental encounter and celebration with their child.
To Sign up for Baptism class and Baptisms please fill out an application at least one month before the date of your child baptism.
*Please Note – Please call our D.R.E at 561-832-3757 ext. 305 to register for the pre-baptism preparation class. Preparation class dates are subject to change.
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Qualifications
Child’s Qualifications: 5 years old or younger who has not been previously baptized
Parent’s Qualifications: At least one parent must be a baptized Roman Catholic
Godparent’s Qualifications: Being a Godparent is truly a ministry in the Church and not simply an honor. They must commit to serve as lifetime spiritual mentors to their godchild, nurturing his/her Catholic faith and practice through their own regular attendance at Mass and active participation in parish life.
A child must have at least 1 godparent but may have up to 2 Godparents (Godfather and Godmother) that meet the following:
- Over 16 years of age
- Baptized Catholic and have received their First Communion and Confirmation
- If married, the prospective Godparent must be in a marriage recognized as valid by the Catholic Church.
Information and Procedures
1. Register in the Parish: Parents of the child to be baptized should register as members of the St. Ann Parish or at their other parish for at least three (3) months prior to initiating the process for baptism.
2. Contact the Baptism Coordinator: Set an appointment to initiate the process. Contact DRE 561-832-3757 ext. 305
3. Required Documentation for Baptism: The following items are required to be submitted to the parish’s Baptism Coordinator prior to the baptism being scheduled:
- (A baptism will not be scheduled until the Baptism Preparation Program is completed and all documents are submitted to the Parish Office.)
- A completed Baptismal Application
- A letter from parish (other than St. Ann) stating that godparents are confirmed, active/registered members of that community (for at least three (3) months).
- A letter confirming attendance at a Baptismal Preparation Class (here or at another Catholic parish).
- If one of the parents is non-Catholic, he/she must provide the church with written correspondence which states that they agree that the child(ren) will be raised in the Catholic faith. Additionally, they are encouraged to attend and participate in the Baptismal Preparation Program.
- The parents or at least one of the parents or the person who lawfully takes their place, must give consent for the lawful baptism of an infant. There must be a well-founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion.
Selecting Godparents
The Church requests two godparents. Godparents play a very important role in your child’s spiritual life. They should serve as role models of the faith. The child should be able to look to their godparent as an example of how the church teaches us to live our Catholic faith. They should support not only the child but the parents as well. Additionally, in their role as godparent, they represent the larger Church community. The St. Ann Parish strictly adheres to Canon Law and Diocesan policies in all aspects of baptism.
Godparents are expected to:
- Accompany the parent/guardian during the time of baptismal preparation.
- Present the infant child for baptism.
- Be active stewards regarding the continuing faith journey of the child.
- Assist in guiding the child in the Catholic faith.
To be admitted to the role of godparent, a person must:
- Be designated by the parent/guardian.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Be practicing Catholic who participates in the Eucharistic celebration on Sundays (e.g., attends Mass regularly, is in good sacramental standing, and is able to receive Holy Communion).
- Be a fully initiated Catholic (e.g., someone who has been baptized, confirmed, and received First Communion in the Catholic Church), who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.
- Not be restricted from such a role due to any canonical penalty or impediment.
- Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
- If they are parishioners of a parish other than St. Ann, present a letter (a certificate) from their home parish pastor attesting that they are a practicing Catholic and in good standing.
- Be present for the baptism. If it is impossible to be in attendance, a proxy is acceptable.
Additionally:
- If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female. (BOTH MUST BE CATHOLIC)
- The two godparents do not necessarily have to be married to each other (a brother and a sister; an uncle and a friend).
- At least one Catholic godparent is required.