Baptism at New Roads
Frequently asked questions:
How long after the birth of a child should the baptism take place?
As soon as is practical for the family. There is no age restriction. Any person may be baptized at any age.
How do we prepare for baptism?
Begin by contacting Tracey Summerhayes to register and select dates for baptism and for a baptismal preparation session. Parents will attend the baptismal preparation session prior to the baptism. This session lasts about an hour and is located, in alternate months, at either St. Joseph or St. Luke at 1:00 pm on the first Sunday of the month. Godparents are welcome to join the session but are not required.
When can my child be baptized?
Baptisms are generally held on the third Saturday of the month, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke and on the fourth Saturday of the month, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph. There are no baptisms during Lent, and at certain other times of the year, there may be adjustments to the baptism dates. Please contact Tracey Summerhayes to coordinate the baptism.
What are the requirements for being a godparent (sponsor) at baptism?
It is customary to have two sponsors, one male and one female. The role of the sponsor is to assist the child’s parents in passing on the Christian faith. At least one sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic over the age of 16. A baptized non-Catholic can serve as the other sponsor. Such a person is known as a Christian witness.
What if the godparent cannot be present for the baptism?
If the godparent cannot be present in person, the parent may appoint another person to serve as a proxy at the baptism.
What should the baby wear for the baptism?
Families should bring with them to the baptism a white baptismal garment, which is a symbol of the new life in Christ they put on at baptism. The baby can be dressed any way you like when they arrive at the church. After the Rite of Baptism, you will have plenty of time to change the baby into his or her baptismal garment in the sacristy.
We would be delighted to answer any other questions you may have, either at the baptismal preparation session or over the phone or in person--just give us a call or send an e-mail.
Tracey Summerhayes
Administrative Assistant
tsummerhayes@newroadscatholic.org
617-484-1996 ext. 10
How long after the birth of a child should the baptism take place?
As soon as is practical for the family. There is no age restriction. Any person may be baptized at any age.
How do we prepare for baptism?
Begin by contacting Tracey Summerhayes to register and select dates for baptism and for a baptismal preparation session. Parents will attend the baptismal preparation session prior to the baptism. This session lasts about an hour and is located, in alternate months, at either St. Joseph or St. Luke at 1:00 pm on the first Sunday of the month. Godparents are welcome to join the session but are not required.
When can my child be baptized?
Baptisms are generally held on the third Saturday of the month, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke and on the fourth Saturday of the month, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph. There are no baptisms during Lent, and at certain other times of the year, there may be adjustments to the baptism dates. Please contact Tracey Summerhayes to coordinate the baptism.
What are the requirements for being a godparent (sponsor) at baptism?
It is customary to have two sponsors, one male and one female. The role of the sponsor is to assist the child’s parents in passing on the Christian faith. At least one sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic over the age of 16. A baptized non-Catholic can serve as the other sponsor. Such a person is known as a Christian witness.
What if the godparent cannot be present for the baptism?
If the godparent cannot be present in person, the parent may appoint another person to serve as a proxy at the baptism.
What should the baby wear for the baptism?
Families should bring with them to the baptism a white baptismal garment, which is a symbol of the new life in Christ they put on at baptism. The baby can be dressed any way you like when they arrive at the church. After the Rite of Baptism, you will have plenty of time to change the baby into his or her baptismal garment in the sacristy.
We would be delighted to answer any other questions you may have, either at the baptismal preparation session or over the phone or in person--just give us a call or send an e-mail.
Tracey Summerhayes
Administrative Assistant
tsummerhayes@newroadscatholic.org
617-484-1996 ext. 10
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