The Sacrament of Baptism ~ by Cathy Woodson

Every Baptism is a celebration time for the church; for every Baptism is a new birth in the church's family, a celebration again of Christ's resurrection. Baptisms should take place at our parish Mass so that the whole community can welcome our new member and participate in the rite. This enables our parish to celebrate its own future as it sees its family grow.

Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: "Therefore...we are members one of another." Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal font is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races and sexes. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." ---Catechism of the Catholic Church #1267

Our Faith Formation Committee will be holding quarterly sessions for parents who want to have a child celebrate the Rite of Baptism at St. Elizabeth. The session dates will be listed in the church bulletin. All sessions are held after the Sunday Liturgy in the parish hall.

Once parents have completed the two sessions, a celebration date is selected and the catechist and the liturgical minister will begin preparations to celebrate the rite with the church family.

Godparents are to represent the Catholic Christian community. To ensure that a godparent is capable of assuming this responsibility, Church law also requires that the person be at least 16 years old, fully initiated (by having received Confirmation and Eucharist), be someone other than the legal parents and one who leads a life in harmony with the Church.

The next session will be held on Sunday, August 12 (part 1) and 19 (part 2). If possible, both parents should attend the class. Godparents and other family members are welcome to attend with the child's parents.