Sacrament of Baptism

On behalf of the staff and parishioners of  St. Joseph Parish, we would like to congratulate you and thank you for bringing your child to be baptized into the Catholic Faith. Your child’s Baptism is definitely a time for celebration and joy! 

There seems to be so much to do when caring for young children; it feels like you are busy doing things 24 hours a day. Some people think of Baptism as just something else to “get done”. That is sad - for Baptism is a birth into the Christian community and is in every way as solemn and important as birth itself. Your children will inherit from you your features, your mannerisms, and even your Faith. So this point in your spiritual life is a good time to really look at the role your Faith plays for you.

Date & Time
Baptisms are scheduled on the FIRST and THIRD SUNDAY of each month at 1:30pm.

Baptism Class
Attendance at the Baptism Class is mandatory for all parents baptizing there first child.
(Please call the Rectory Office at 1-914-337-1660)

Parents should call the rectory to schedule the Baptism and begin the necessary paperwork. 

Please Contact: Rectory Office - Agnes
914-337-1660

If you are an adult who wants to enter the Catholic Church and be baptized please contact the Rectory Office and speak to one of the Priests.

What is Baptism? 
Baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Church and the first of the three initiation sacraments (the other two being the Eucharist and Confirmation). Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, and become members of His family, the Church.

Who can Receive Baptism? 
Every person not yet baptized and only such a person can be baptized. Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime event. In the event that a baby was baptized previously at birth due to illness, the Baptism itself can’t be repeated. It is desirable, however, that you have a celebration in church and share in the prayers and blessings, which are part of the Baptismal ceremony. You may also want to appoint Godparents at the same time. 

What are the Parents’ responsibilities? 
Parents are the first and best teacher of your child. It will be your responsibility to teach your child about God and the Church. Baptism is just the beginning of a person’s faith journey. Your child needs to continue to grow in the knowledge and appreciation of God’s love to complete their Christian initiation. Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ. As a parent, you now need to help your child accomplish these next two sacraments. 

Who can be a Godparent? 
Church law requires that one Godparent, male or female, is sufficient.  Generally parents select two Godparents, one male and one female.  Godparents must be 16 years of age and have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, and should be good role models in living the Catholic faith.  A baptized member of a non-catholic church may act as a Christian Witness along with a Catholic Godparent.

Baptism Day
Customarily, the infants are brought to the church dressed in white baptismal gowns or suits. But any clothing is fine as long as the priest has access to the baby’s breastbone so that he can anoint the baby with the Oil of Baptism. 

Arriving at the Church
Parents, child, and Godparents should arrive at the church 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the ceremony. Each child being baptized will have one pew reserved with his or her name on it at the front of the church; the parents, child, and Godparents should sit in this pew. Anyone else that you would like may sit with you in this pew as space permits. Any other family members and friends who cannot fit into the reserved pew are asked to sit somewhere behind the last reserved pew. Before the ceremony begins, kindly remove hats or bonnets from the child’s head along with unfastening the baby’s garment so that the priest will have access to the top of the baby’s chest.

Water - symbolizes cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin. It is also necessary for life and is a sign of the new life of Christ we receive in the waters of Baptism. Once baptized, we bare the title, Christian.

Sign of the Cross - parents and Godparents will trace the Sign of the Cross on the child’s forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life. 

Oil - The top of the baby’s chest is anointed with the Oil of Catechumens.  In ancient times, soldiers and athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare themselves for the battle ahead.  We use it symbolically in the Sacrament of Baptism to pray that the soon to be baptized will have the strength they need to lead a good Christian life.

Oil of Chrism -  is a mixture of Olive Oil and Balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is used to anoint the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith, which you make on behalf of your child at baptism, will later be confirmed personally by your child at the sacrament of confirmation when Oil of Chrism will be used again. These oils are blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday. 

White Garment - is in keeping with the tradition of the new clothes worn by Christians after Baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection. 

Candles - symbolize Christ, the Light of the World. The Baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal candle, which is a sign of the risen Christ. The Baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child’s life; and its flame symbolizes the flame of faith that will burn through the life of the child. 

Baptismal Register - Your baby’s Baptism will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. In years ahead, proof of Baptism may be obtained in the form of a certificate issued on the basis of this registration. Your child’s confirmation, marriage or ordination will also be noted alongside this entry in the register. 

Welcoming 
The ceremony begins with a warm welcome to you and your family and friends from the priest  on behalf of the whole Church. The priest will ask what name you have given your baby and whether you accept the responsibility of bringing up your child in the practice of the faith. The Gospel reading and homily will focus on the Sacrament of Baptism. Following the homily, we offer our Prayers of Intercession for your soon to be baptized child and for all gathered to celebrate this sacrament. Finally, we call upon the saints in heaven to watch over and intercede on behalf of all the baptized.

Washing 
The priest  then prays that your baby may be delivered from every evil. This prayer is reinforced by the anointing with Oil of Baptism. The water is now blessed. The priest  will then asks you to renew the vows which were made for you at your own Baptism,. At this time he will once again reminding you of your duty to bring up your child as a good Christian. 

The priest will pours the Baptismal water over your child’s forehead three times, saying:  “N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” 

Worshipping 
Your baby is now a Christian. Following an ancient custom, your baby is anointed with Oil of Chrism. “Christ” means “anointed one” - for Jesus was given special work to do. He suffered, died and rose again to unite us to his heavenly Father. Your baby has the special work of living as a member of the Church. The offering of thanks and praise to the Father, which begins at Mass, is the beginning of an eternal life of joy. 

Witnessing 
The clothing in the white garment along with the presentation of the Baptismal Candle are symbolic of how we, the baptized, are given the responsibility of bearing witness to Christ in the lives of all we meet.  We are called to imitate Christ in always doing the will of the Father, and to bring his light and love into the lives of all we meet.

The ceremony is now over and the Church sends you on your future life together as a family. Everyone prays together the prayer that Christ taught us - the Our Father. This is followed by special prayers for each parent and all who have joined in this joyful welcoming of a new Christian into the world. 
 
Donations 
There is no charge for Baptism or any other church service. It is customary, however, for an offering to be made. All offering that are received are sent to the missions to help them financially as they work tirelessly to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you cannot afford any offering, don’t be anxious; it is a purely voluntary contribution. You may give any donation to the priest at the conclusion of the ceremony.