Sacrament of Baptism

The term “Baptism” means “immersion,” and so this sacrament “immerses” us into the Death and Resurrection of Christ (cf. Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12). Consequently, we receive the forgiveness of sins (cf. Acts 2:38) and are incorporated into the Church (cf. 1 Cor 12:13).

Eligibility and Readiness for Baptism

• Under ordinary circumstances, for an infant Baptism to be licit, “the parents or at least one of them or the person who legitimately takes their place must consent.”
• In addition to this consent, there must exist a “founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion.”
• This hope is grounded in the lives of the parents, the godparents, and the parish community.

Baptismal Preparation:

In preparation to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism with an infant, the parents are asked to attend a Baptismal Preparation Session at Sacred Heart.

Due to our current situation, Baptism Preparation is done on an individual basis. Contact Sr. Linh @ srlinh@sacredheartnorfolk.org  for more information.

Role of Godparents:

Godparents join the parents in presenting the child for Baptism and help the child to lead a Christian life in harmony with the sacrament.

Church Law requires that godparents be:

•  At least 16 years old
• Fully-initiated Catholics (having received the sacraments of Baptism,
• Confirmation and Eucharist)
• Not bound by any canonical penalty
• Leading lives of faith befitting the role to be undertaken
• Not parents of the child