Congratulations! God has blessed you with a child! Now you are presenting your precious child for Baptism as a Christian within the Church. The Catholic community wishes to celebrate the gift that your child will be to us. The Cathedral is honored to support you as you make this important decision.
Please fill out the Infant Baptism Form and we will contact you with more information, including times for Baptism Preparation Classes and scheduling your child’s baptism.
Because this is an important event for your family, you are encouraged to “take your time” in choosing and preparing to make this Sacramental moment one of integrity and joy. Baptismal life is ongoing, not just one moment in time, but a lifelong process.
• Parents are the primary educators of their child in matters of faith. Parents are intentional about their own faith commitment and practice, so wish to ritualize sharing that practiced life with their child.
• Parents who have not been involved in a faith commitment will be encouraged to begin that process to honor the integrity of the sacrament.
• The Church, (the faithful) is the minister of catechesis, handing on its faith, tradition and a sense of mission.
• The Godparents chosen are also intentional about this faith development and comfortable in supporting the parents in that role.
THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM
Baptism is the first step of initiation of being named as a follower of Jesus. Through the Catholic community, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are called the three processes of sacramental initiation, in which the Church supports the person in their life-long process of conversion.
Baptism celebrates a relationship with God and with the Church. Through Baptism, the Church promises to present its faith, tradition, values and mission to the child and its family throughout life. The sacrament is celebrated within Mass, where the gathered Catholic community is able to state its own Creed, Eucharistic tradition and a promise of support to the family.
Although in some Christian religions only believing adults may receive Baptism, the Catholic Church encourages the baptism of infants. Catholics believe that infant baptism also celebrates the faith of the church and of the parents—not just the faith of the individual. Through God’s loving grace, parents, godparents and the whole community will receive support to surround a child with spiritual nourishment as the child matures at every stage of life. With joy, we honor God’s unconditional love to ourselves and our children. We need the support and example of others in order to grow into the values of Jesus throughout life.
Through the waters of Baptism, we “die with Christ” to all that is evil and rise with Him to a new life of freedom as a child of God. May these waters of new life bring joy to you and your child.
For any questions about Baptism or sacrament preparation, please contact Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, Mandy Brown at 816-842-0416 x113 or mbrown@kcgolddome.org.