Congratulations and best wishes from the Christ on the Mountain
community as we join together in the celebration of the birth to never-ending
life with Christ, our Savior.
The Church’s official policy on Baptism - The new code of Canon Law states:
For an infant to be baptized
lawfully it is required that there be a well-founded hope that the child will
be brought up in the Catholic religion. If
such a hope is truly lacking, the baptism is, in accordance with the
provisions of particular law, to be deferred and the parents advised of the
reason for this (#868). The parish priest may feel that the baby’s parents or
godparents are unable or unwilling to fulfill their responsibility of raising
the child as an active, participating member of the Catholic community. They
may have perceived baptism simply as a social ritual, without any real
awareness of, or concern for, the obligations that baptism places on the
infant’s parents or sponsors. The Code also details various criteria regarding
those whom the parents choose as godparents. Canon (#874) stipulates that a
baptismal sponsor be (1) at least 16 years of age, unless the local bishop or
priest permits an exception for a good reason, (2) a Catholic who has been
confirmed and is living a life consistent with the doctrines and moral
teachings of the Church. Thus, parents are not to choose godparents merely on
the basis of returning favors or bestowing honors. This trivializes the role
and responsibility of the baptismal sponsor. A second witness, as a Christian
witness, is sometimes a partaker in the rite.
A
final point is that Canon(#868) does not say baptism is to be refused, but
rather deferred. That is, the priest is not to refuse baptism outright but
rather postpone the baptism until he judges the parents and godparents be
capable of meeting their obligations.
Parish requirements to assist in the preparation of your child’s
Baptism
- Attendance at Baptismal class by parents, and
godparents. These classes are held on the third Thursday of every other
month at 7:00 pm in
the lower lounge of the Church. (Please note the November class will be held on the second Thursday - November 13, 2008.) One session is required. Please contact
Julie Hayes at the parish office, 303-988-2222, to register for the class.
A $25 fee is charged for all non-COTM registered attendees.
- If registered in another parish permission will be
needed from that Parish to baptize at COTM.
- Office verification of all information is required
two weeks before Baptism, or rite is subject to postponement.
- Baptismal garment and Baptismal candle are provided
at the rite.
- There is no fee for Baptism, a stipend(free-will)
offering is left to conscience of the parents or godparents.
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