The Catholic community of St. Francis Xavier Parish is happy to welcome your child as a member of God’s family in the Sacrament of Baptism.
Baptism is the first of the “Sacraments of Initiation” which also include Confirmation and Eucharist. In Baptism your child receives the new life of grace in Jesus Christ. Confirmation strengthens the Baptismal grace and commitment, and regular celebration of the Eucharist is our nourishment for our Christian journey.
Baptism, then, is rightly seen as the “gateway” to the other sacraments, and the first step on a lifelong journey of faith. We hope that you will recognize it as such and do everything you can to ensure that your child continues to be formed in the Catholic faith in which he or she is baptized.
You are to be commended for wishing to share the gift of your Catholic faith with your child. We are always here to help you as you continue to raise your child in the faith and help him or her to become a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
The below QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS has been prepared for your information, as you prepare for this joyful occasion in the life of your family. Please read it and contact our parish office to make the necessary arrangements for baptism.
Any child or adult not previously baptized in the Catholic Church or another Christian community. In the case of infants, generally at least one of the parents will be a baptized, practicing Catholic.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is specifically designed to assist adults in their preparation for baptism and/or the other sacraments of initiation. The process begins in September and the sacraments of initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
Kindly contact our parish office. We will be able to schedule an appointment for one or both parents to come speak with Father at which point a date will be booked. Baptisms are celebrated twice a month on Sundays at 12:30pm. In particular cases the celebration of baptism may take place at another date and time.
It is a good idea to call at least six weeks before the desired date of baptism. Sometimes couples contact the parish office even before their baby has been born!
Any Catholic living in the boundaries of our parish is considered to be a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish.
Catholics who have family members in our parish or who, for another good reason, wish to have their child baptized here, may do so with a letter of permission from the parish which boundaries they live in.
The rite of Baptism itself is very clear on this: godparents must be baptized and confirmed Catholics, at least 16 years old, living a life consistent with the faith and the responsibility of a godparent.
A baptized Christian may act as a Christian Witness to the baptism. A Christian witness must be accompanied by a Catholic godparent.
The rite of Baptism requires only one godparent. Where two are chosen, the norms speak of a godfather and godmother. Should you choose additional sponsors please note that only two names will appear on the certificate and in the Register of Baptism, one male and one female.
Parents will meet with our Pastor during the registration process to discuss and gain a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of baptism.
Godparents and Christian Witnesses are welcome and encouraged to attend, especially if they live locally. However, if they live a distance away, they are not obliged to attend.
Our parish, like every Catholic parish, keeps complete records of all baptisms celebrated in our church. Copies of certificates can be obtained from the parish office.
304 Highway #8
Stoney Creek, ON, L8G 1E6
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