Baptism
Baptism is both a gift and a responsibility. Parent(s) must be registered active members for at least 3 months before any Baptism or Baptismal preparation can be scheduled. Active, means attending church on a regular basis. Baptisms take place on the first and third Sundays of the Month after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Please call the parish office for further details at (561) 488-1373.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ be with you. I would like to invite you to reflect on the Sacrament of Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism holds great significance within the Catholic Church as it marks the initiation into the Christian life and the faith community. According to the Church’s teaching, Baptism cleanses individuals of original sin, incorporates them into the Body of Christ, and imparts sanctifying grace. The role of godparents is vital in this Sacrament, as they act as spiritual mentors and guides for the baptized individual. The Church requires godparents to be practicing Catholics who have received all the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) to ensure they can effectively fulfill their responsibilities. If the Godparents are married, the marriage must have been celebrated and witnessed in the Catholic Church.
Godparents are chosen by the parents or guardians of the child and commit to assisting in the child’s faith formation. They serve as witnesses to the sacrament and provide ongoing support and guidance, helping the baptized individual grow in their relationship with God. The requirement for godparents to have received all the Sacraments of Initiation and be faithful practicing Catholics is rooted in the Church’s belief in the importance of spiritual parenting and faith formation.
Godparents, as representatives of the Catholic community, embody the values, teachings, and traditions of the Church. Their active participation in the sacraments demonstrates their commitment to their own faith journey and strengthens the spiritual bond with the baptized individual. Their role includes providing moral and spiritual guidance, serving as models of faith, and assisting the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith.
As a pastor, it is emphasized that active participation in the life of the parish is crucial for parents and families. This includes regular attendance at Mass on the weekends, Holy Days Obligation, involvement in various ministries, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church. By engaging in these activities, parents and families deepen their connection to the faith community, strengthen their own spiritual lives, and provide a supportive environment for the child’s ongoing faith formation.
In conclusion, the Sacrament of Baptism is a foundational sacrament, the gateway to the other sacraments, within the Catholic Church. Godparents, chosen from faithful practicing Catholics who have received all the sacraments, play a significant role in guiding and supporting the baptized individual throughout their spiritual journey. The Church’s requirement for godparents to meet these criteria reflects the importance of spiritual parenting and faith formation. As your pastor, I encourage all parents to actively participate in the life of the parish, attending Mass regularly as a family, enrolling them to attend religious education, and involving them in various ministries. For any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office at 561-488-1373.Yours in Christ,
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor