Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation which cleanses us from Original Sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. Baptism was instituted, very probably, about the time Our Lord was baptized by John the Baptist, and its reception was commanded when after His resurrection Our Lord said to His Apostles: “All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth. Going, therefore, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.
5 Jesus said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5)
“The soul is regenerated in the sacred waters of baptism and thus becomes God’s child.” — Saint Maximilian Kolbe
How to prepare for Baptism
Since the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step of a life long journey of faith, all parents are encouraged to call the Church and make arrangements to speak with the pastor. Whether this sacrament is celebrated within or outside of Mass, all parents must make the necessary arrangements well in advance.
First time parents are required to attend the parish baptism prep session to become familiar with their responsibilities, obligations and duties in the religious education and spiritual formation of their child(ren).
Qualifications of Baptism Godparents/Sponsors
- Be designated by the candidate, by the parents or guardians, or the pastor.
- Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role of sponsor.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Be a fully initiated Catholic (received the Sacraments of Initiation: baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation.)
- Lead a life in harmony with faith and role of a sponsor (i.e., be a registered member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, not be in an irregular/invalid marriage, etc.)
- Not be bound by a canonical penalty.
- Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown requires proof of eligibility for sponsorship (in accord with the qualifications above) from the parish in which the sponsor is registered.
Number of Godparent(s)/Sponsor(s)
- Only one sponsor is required for baptism. If there is only one sponsor, this sponsor must be a practicing Catholic able to provide a letter of eligibility.
- If two sponsors are chosen, one must be male and the other female, and one must be Catholic. The second sponsor may be a Christian Witness.
- A Christian Witness is a non-Catholic Christian. Baptized Catholics who have left the Catholic Church to join a non-Catholic Christian denomination or, have entered into an irregular/invalid marriage, are ineligible to be a sponsor.
In the event that neither the candidate, nor the parents or guardians are able to select a sponsor, the pastor may appoint a member of the parish community to fill the role of sponsor. Many parents are often concerned that they cannot find a suitable sponsor for a variety of reasons (i.e., unavailability of family members, being new to the parish or unfamiliar with the other parishioners, etc.)
In such cases, pastors have the responsibility of assisting parents and candidates in the selection of a parishioner to be a sponsor.
Sophia SketchPad: Baptism (6:40)
The Symbolism in Baptism (5:55)
Rite of Baptism (7:17)
Why Baptizing Your Baby Is the Most Important Thing You Can Do (7:35)