BAPTISM
Welcome! We are glad that you are considering the Sacrament of Baptism for yourself or your child at Holy Family Parish. We are here to help you to prepare for this momentous event in which we are immersed into God’s life and love, identified with our Lord Jesus Christ, and incorporated into His Church.
Baptism - Infants to 6 years old
Baptism – Infants to 6 years old
The parents will make a commitment to God and to the Catholic Church to raise their child in the practice of the Catholic Faith. Therefore, at least one parent must be a baptized Roman Catholic.
If you have not been a practicing Catholic for a while, do not let that prevent you from contacting the Pastor. Consider this as your opportunity to begin again. We would be happy to help you with that.
It is important to know what God is doing in the sacrament and how we cooperate with God in a relationship. If this is your first child or your children have not been baptized, the parents must participate in a Baptismal Preparation Conference. It will last about an hour. Contact our Pastor, Father Raymond Harris (410.922.2800, ext. 6 or rharris@archbalt.org) to schedule an appointment.
Baptisms are scheduled outside of Holy Mass, on Saturdays (between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm or 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm), Sundays (between 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm), and weekday evenings when the Pastor is available. During Lent, baptisms are celebrated outside of Holy Mass only. Visiting clergy are welcome, provided they have the permission of the Archbishop of Baltimore and the Pastor.
See below for the requirement for Godparents.
Baptism - Children over 6 years old
In the summer of 2023, HFC is searching for a new Director of Faith Formation. In the interim,
Contact Father Harris
410.922.3800, ext. 6
Your child will be prepared for baptism through our School of Religion program. The date will be set in consultation with the Pastor.
Requirements for Godparents
Godparents support parents in fulfilling this solemn promise. At least one godparent is appointed; if two godparents, then they must be a man and a woman. Godparents must be practicing Roman Catholics who are at least 16 years old and have been baptized, confirmed, and received their First Eucharist. They must obtain a Sponsor Certificate from their parish attesting to that. They should be regularly worshiping during Sunday Mass and be a good example.
You may choose another Christian (who is baptized) as a “Christian witness,” but there must be at least one Roman Catholic godparent.
Links* - for more information about the Sacrament of Baptism
Catechism of the Catholic Church
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Holy Family Parish Bulletin Insert
These links are provided solely for the user’s convenience. Holy Family Catholic Church assumes no responsibility for these websites, their content, or their sponsoring organizations.