“Baptism is the best gift we have received. Through it, we belong to God and we possess the joy of salvation.”
Pope Francis
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments and a Sacrament of Initiation. Through Baptism, an individual is united to Christ and the Church. Through baptism, original sin is removed by the grace of the Holy Spirit using the symbols of water and the Word. The individual becomes clothed with Christ, receives an indelible mark from God, and enters into a relationship with God and the Church. When children are baptized, the parents profess Faith on behalf of the children.
Infant Baptism
It is encouraged that all expecting parents arrange for their baby’s baptism as soon as possible. Through baptism, your child will receive new life in Christ and become a child of God.
Requirements for Baptism
- Parents must attend the baptism preparation class (godparents are also encouraged to attend the class). Please contact the Parish Office (352-726-1670) to register for the class.
- The parish will need a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- Each godparent must provide a completed sponsor form from their home parish.
Godparents
The role of the godparents is to help the parents raise their child in the Catholic Faith. They are called to be witnesses of the faith through their actions and prayer life.
The requirements to be a godparent are:
- Must be at least 16 years-old.
- Must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Must be fully practicing the Catholic Faith. This includes attending Sunday Masses regularly. If the individual is married, then the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church.
- The godparent cannot be one of the child’s parents.
- Maximum of two godparents: one male and one female.