What to Know About Baptism and the Catholic Faith

Not long ago we offered a deal on our Baptismal items. Interestingly enough, this actually generated quite a few questions regarding the sacrament of Baptism!  Many new parents aren’t sure what they need or what to expect, plus there are always people who are planning to be baptized as adults.

So - first, let’s start with a definition of baptism:

“The Catholic Church teaches that Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.”

The word "baptism" has Greek roots that actually mean “to immerse” or to “plunge.” The water that is used symbolizes “the catechumen's burial into Christ's death” and the following Resurrection with Him as one rises up from the water a new creature. "According to the Apostle Paul, the believer enters through Baptism into communion with Christ's death, is buried with Him, and rises with Him”.

How does one prepare for their child’s baptism?

• Catholic parents should make a priority of seeing to the arrangements for the Baptism of their newborn.  Contact your home parish to get started. They will provide all the practical details.
• Parents should choose a name for their new little one.  Ideally it would be the name of a saint, but if not, it should definitely not be a name that would conflict with one’s faith.  “The name you, as a Christian parent, give your child is known as his "Christian name" for a reason (note that he will receive a new name at Confirmation, too)” .
• The next step is choosing sponsors, also known as godparents. The sponsors should be one male and one female who are baptized Catholics, over the age of sixteen, and “ in good standing with the Church.” The role of a sponsor is one that should be taken lightly.  Parents should make this decision prayerfully and thoughtfully.
• For an adult who desires Baptism, it will take place according to the guidelines of the diocese. Again, contact your local parish for details. In the case of an adult, the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation are celebrated in close succession, usually through an RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation) program.
• A Christening Party traditionally follows after the Baptism, especially after the baptism of babies. It’s customary for guests to bring small gifts or cards for the newly baptized!

Our information comes from The Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Your parish priest may ask that you provided items for the ceremony, all of which are availible from the F.C. Ziegler Company.  Zieglers has a variety of items from baptismal gowns to gifts and party supplies for the party.  Browse the Baptism section of our website to find everything you need. Or pop into one of our stores—we have a great team of employees who would be more than happy to help you! We love getting to be there & helping you find what need during this special time.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

- Matthew 28:18-20