Prior to the Baptism of a child under the age of 7, an evening of instruction is required for parents and godparent who have not previously attended a class. (For Baptism of Adults see RCIA.) Classes in English are held on the first Tuesday of every month in the reception room at 7 pm. Prior registration is required.
Requirements for Parents and Sponsors for Children Under 7
1. It is not required for parents or godparents to be members of St. Bernard.
3. English baptisms are held the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 am. The pre-baptismal class in English is on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7pm. A fee of $45.00 must be paid at the time of registration.
For children 7 years old or older please contact the Faith Formation Office.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CHILD TO BE BAPTIZED--
COPY of the birth certificate
CODE OF CANON LAW -- CHAPTER IV -- SPONSORS:
Can. 872 -- In so far as possible, a person being baptized is to be assigned a sponsor. In the case of an adult baptism, the sponsor's role is to assist the person in Christian initiation. In the case of an infant baptism, the role is together with the parents to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfil the duties inherent in baptism
Can. 873 -- One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; there may be two, one of each sex.
Can. 874 §1 To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must:
1 -- be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or the minister; to be appointed the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it;
2 -- be not less than sixteen years of age;
3 -- be a catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;
4 -- not labor under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared;
5 -- not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptized.
§2 A baptized person who belongs to a non-catholic ecclesial community may be admitted only in company with a Catholic sponsor, and then simply as a witness to the baptism.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR GODPARENTS --
Must be at least 16 years of age and a member in good standing with the Church