"Baptism is the sacrament of new life through water and the Spirit."
Roman Catechism II 2,5
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the (expected) arrival of your new child! The Church of the Good Shepherd is happy to initiate a child of any age into the Catholic faith through the sacrament of baptism. This momentous occasion will start your child's journey as a follower of Christ. The Church of the Good Shepherd's approach is to deepen the family's connection with God, the church, and the parish community.
Baptisms are celebrated on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sunday of each month at 2PM by reservation only. Please contact the parish office at (631)588-7689 to make an appointment with a member of the staff at least two months prior to the desired date to make arrangements for this sacrament.
PARENTS
If both parents are Catholic, it is essential both are involved in the baptism process. If one parent is Catholic, the other parent is welcome and encouraged to participate to the degree of his/her comfort.
GODPARENTS
Only one godparent is required, however if there are two, one must be male and the other female, to reflect the nature of parenthood. One godparent must be Catholic. The other may serve as a "Christian Witness" if he or she is a practicing Christian who exemplifies Christian values. A former Catholic may not serve as a Christian Witness. Since Godparents make a profession of their Christian faith at the Baptism ceremony, those who do not belong to a Christian faith may not serve in the role of godparent.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Parent's Marriage or Relationship - As Catholics we believe family life best flows when a man and woman commit through the Sacrament of Marriage. This forms a bond in which they experience and become the presence of God for one another and their children. Catholics are expected to celebrate their wedding and live their marriage in accord with the practice of the Catholic Church.
If the child's parents are not married according to the Church, or not married at all, the child may be baptized if the parents intend to raise the child in the faith and keep the promises that will be made at the Baptism.
Adoption - If the child is adopted, or the the process of adoption, special steps need to be taken that the child has not already been baptized and that the child is with his/her legal parents. The parents will be asked to supply any documentation from attorneys or adoption agencies to indicate the adoption is in process. If the adoption is finalized, an amended birth certificate will be required. The Baptism will not be scheduled until the documents have been submitted to the diocesan Chancery Office and authorization has been received.
Parish Membership - The Baptism should take place where the child's family currently resides and is currently registered as parishioners. If you live in The Church of the Good Shepherd's parish but are not registered, please begin the registration process before the Baptism. If you do not live in the parish, you should register in the parish you live and have the Baptism there. There may be special circumstances where a child who's family does not belong to the parish may be baptized at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Please feel to discuss the circumstances when you call the parish office.
Roman Catechism II 2,5
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the (expected) arrival of your new child! The Church of the Good Shepherd is happy to initiate a child of any age into the Catholic faith through the sacrament of baptism. This momentous occasion will start your child's journey as a follower of Christ. The Church of the Good Shepherd's approach is to deepen the family's connection with God, the church, and the parish community.
Baptisms are celebrated on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sunday of each month at 2PM by reservation only. Please contact the parish office at (631)588-7689 to make an appointment with a member of the staff at least two months prior to the desired date to make arrangements for this sacrament.
PARENTS
If both parents are Catholic, it is essential both are involved in the baptism process. If one parent is Catholic, the other parent is welcome and encouraged to participate to the degree of his/her comfort.
GODPARENTS
Only one godparent is required, however if there are two, one must be male and the other female, to reflect the nature of parenthood. One godparent must be Catholic. The other may serve as a "Christian Witness" if he or she is a practicing Christian who exemplifies Christian values. A former Catholic may not serve as a Christian Witness. Since Godparents make a profession of their Christian faith at the Baptism ceremony, those who do not belong to a Christian faith may not serve in the role of godparent.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Parent's Marriage or Relationship - As Catholics we believe family life best flows when a man and woman commit through the Sacrament of Marriage. This forms a bond in which they experience and become the presence of God for one another and their children. Catholics are expected to celebrate their wedding and live their marriage in accord with the practice of the Catholic Church.
If the child's parents are not married according to the Church, or not married at all, the child may be baptized if the parents intend to raise the child in the faith and keep the promises that will be made at the Baptism.
Adoption - If the child is adopted, or the the process of adoption, special steps need to be taken that the child has not already been baptized and that the child is with his/her legal parents. The parents will be asked to supply any documentation from attorneys or adoption agencies to indicate the adoption is in process. If the adoption is finalized, an amended birth certificate will be required. The Baptism will not be scheduled until the documents have been submitted to the diocesan Chancery Office and authorization has been received.
Parish Membership - The Baptism should take place where the child's family currently resides and is currently registered as parishioners. If you live in The Church of the Good Shepherd's parish but are not registered, please begin the registration process before the Baptism. If you do not live in the parish, you should register in the parish you live and have the Baptism there. There may be special circumstances where a child who's family does not belong to the parish may be baptized at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Please feel to discuss the circumstances when you call the parish office.
Godparent Testimony Form
| sponsor_certificate.pdf |