Baptism
ST. THERESA OF AVILA CATHOLIC CHURCH
OFFICE OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Dear Parents:
Congratulations on the birth or approaching birth of your child! We at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church share your joy and we anxiously await participating in the sacrament of Baptism with you. The sacrament of Baptism begins your child's initiation into the Church. It is the first of the three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). Faith, as modeled by parents and sponsors, provides the basis for a child's relationship with God. Our Baptism preparation begins when you and your child's godparents (fill out and submit the forms below). Instead of coming to St. Theresa to participate in a baptism seminar we ask you to watch a video program by Ascension Press on baptism. This video needs to be watched by parents, godparents and/or Christian witness. This program will help you understand the full meaning of Baptism. Read over the "Role of the Godfather and Godmother" before (forwarding the form) to your prospective godparents/sponsors (1 male and 1 female). Catholic godparents need to bring their completed form to their church parish in order that their Pastor can verify that they are parishioners in good standing. Their parish will mail or fax the form to St. Theresa Church*. Please note - must be registered parishioners of the Catholic church they attend. If your family is not registered here at St. Theresa contact Marita DeCuir for assistance (225) 647-6588. Once we receive the completed information form from the parents and that of your godparent/christian witness we will be contacted to schedule the baptism. If a parent or godparent has attended a seminar within the last three years, you do not have to attend ours. Please note the information on the bottom section of the parents form. Contact me with any questions you may have: (225) 647-6588 or ablair@stahurch.net
May God Bless you and your family,
ALICE BLAIR, DIRECTOR
*I don't know how this will work with an online form
Who is the Godfather and who is the Godmother?
The Godfather and the Godmother for a Baptism are figures who accompany their godson or goddaughter to the altar and take responsibility for accompanying them in their growth as humans and as Christians. If the baptism is of a child, the Godfather or Godmother also have the task of pronouncing the baptismal promises wherever it takes place. On the occasion of the Confirmation, usually a Godfather or Godmother accompanies the Confirmed, and supports the young faithful in their 'confirmation' as a member of the Church.
The Role of the Godfather and Godmother
Whoever is chosen as Godfather or Godmother for a Baptism or a Confirmation, is called on to undertake a truly valuable and important task. Very often, in the modern world, we lose sight of the true value of this role, but it shouldn't be this way. When the parents of a newborn child choose a Godparent for his or her Baptism, they should bear in mind that, beyond the relationship of friendship that binds them to this person, it is essential that it is someone who has the necessary requisites to support their child over their entire lifetime. Because this is what a Godfather or a Godmother should do: walk alongside the young faithful, as Jesus himself would do, offering him or her spiritual support and a model of Christian life that could inspire him and help him at all times. The role of a godparent is to guide the child in the Catholic faith if their parents fail to do so.
What are the requirements of the Godfather and of the Godmother?
The Godfather or the Godmother for the Baptism/Confirmation must have completed by the age of sixteen. They must be Catholic; been confirmed; attends mass weekly and receives the Eucharist; and, leads a life in conformity with the Catholic faith. A parent cannot be a godparent to their child. People who are civilly married; divorced and remarried without receiving an annulment; or living with another partner without being married in the Catholic church cannot be a godparent. In such cases it is best to contact Alice Blair at the parish office to discuss their situation. (225) 647-6588. At a baptism, there can be either a single Godfather or a single Godmother; a Godfather and a Godmother; or one Godparent and a Christian Witness. A Christian Witness cannot be someone who was baptized Catholic and now practices another religion.
St. Theresa of Avila Church
Faith Formation
April, 2025
