To present a child for Baptism is a serious obligation and requires a faith commitment on the part of the parents and godparents. This commitment is exemplified by being practicing, active Catholics for at least 6 months at Holy Family Parish. If you have just moved into the parish, a letter from your previous Pastor verifying the same is acceptable.
Attendance at a baptismal preparation session is required. The baptism classes are the third Monday of every other month 7:00 pm in the Holy Family Catholic School Library. To register for the next Baptism Class, please call the parish office at 904-641-5838 or e-mail cbrinker@holyfamilyjax.com.
The Baptism Class dates are as follows:
May 20, 2013
July 15, 2013
September 16, 2013
November 18, 2013
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS BAPTISM PREPARATION
In The Diocese of St. Augustine Office of Christian Formation
Baptismal Sponsors
A sponsor assists an adult to be baptized, or assists the parents in presenting an infant for baptism. The sponsor assists the newly baptized in living the Christian life. If two sponsors are chosen, they are to be of different sexes. (Canons 872-874)
The qualifications for serving as a sponsor are:
1. designated for this role by the one to be baptized (or by the parents in the case of an infant);
2. 16 years of age or older;
3. a Catholic, confirmed and who has received the Eucharist, leading a life in conformity with the faith and the role assumed as a sponsor;
4. not bound by any canonical penalty;
5. not a parent of the one to be baptized.
A baptized person who is not Catholic may serve as a witness to the baptism with a Catholic as sponsor.
The primary role of the godparent is to witness to the faith of God alive in their hearts and to be willing to share that faith in a supportive way with their godchild as well as to support the faith-life of the parents.
Godparents represent “both the local Church community and the whole society of saints and believers” in welcoming this newest member of the Body of Christ and pledging the support and the prayer of all of us in living a life worthy of the dignity of the children of God.
For a Sponsor/Godparent Eligibility Form, please click here.
