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Welcome the Newly Baptized!
Ava Marie Schwedt
Adeline Susanne Kazmer
Otto Thomas McKeown
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Baptism Registration
Please print and fill out the Baptism Registration Form below, and return it to the parish office. Baptisms are normally held at 1:30PM on the first Sunday of the month.
EXCEPTION: June's baptisms will be on Saturday, June 1 at 1:30PM.
Baptism Registration Form -
Baptism Preparation Classes
Parents are reminded that parish & diocesan policy require parents to complete a Baptism Preparation Class before the baptism of their child, if they have not done so in the past five years.
Baptism Preparation Class is held in the Community Room on Sunday afternoon from 1:30-3:00PM. Reservations are not required but highly encouraged.2019 UPCOMING CLASSES:
May 19
August 18 ♦ November 17To register,
call us at (440) 235-2222Need a class, but can't make these dates? Call the Parish Office for other local parish baptism classes.
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Upcoming Baptisms
Baptisms are held on the first Sunday of every month at 1:30 pm. Attendance of parents at a Pre-Baptism Program is required. Godparents are to turn their Sponsor Certificates in to the Parish Office two weeks prior to the Baptism. -
Becoming a Godparent
What is a Godparent?
Becoming a Godparent is a beautiful gift to be cherished by the chosen person. Many people see Godparents as a symbolic role, without any responsibilities other than being a good person. While a Godparent should most definitely be a good person, there is much more involved than simply being present at the ceremony and "being a good person."
A Godparent is a practicing Catholic striving to live out his/her baptismal promises in union with the Catholic Church. In the case of newly baptized infants or children, the role and responsibility of the Godparent is to help the parents/guardians in their child's faith formation. The Godparent, together with the parents, "helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it" (Code of Canon Law No. 872). In the case of a newly baptized adult, the responsibilities are the same, except the Godparent is not necessarily working together with the parents.
The entire role of a Godparent cannot be explained in a just few sentences. It is always preferred that you discuss choosing a Godparent with a priest or deacon. But please know that being a Godparent places central responsibility on the potential individual and carries with it a deep, meaningful significance.
How do I become a Godparent or Sponsor?
The Church requires that a Catholic Godparent must:- Be a registered member of a parish community
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation
- Join weekly in the celebration of Mass and Holy Communion
- If married, be so by a priest or deacon
- A Godparent cannot be the parent of the person being baptized
The Catholic sponsor must obtain a Sponsor Certificate from their parish and submit this to St. Mary of the Falls two weeks prior to the Baptism. If you are a member of St. Mary of the Falls, please stop by the parish office to pick up a Sponsor Certificate.
What if my Baptism Sponsor is not Catholic?
That's okay! A baptized person of another faith may act as a Christian Witness together with a Catholic sponsor. While no sponsor's certificate is required for the Christian Witness, it is expected that the person is an active participant in the faith tradition in which they are baptized. The role of Chrisian Witness is reserved for non-Catholic, baptized Christians. A non-Catholic may act as a sponsor for Baptism, only when accompanied by a practicing Catholic sponsor who is fulfilling each of the requirements noted above.
If a non-Catholic is chosen to act in this capacity, he or she must be a baptized Christian. In addition, it is strongly recommended that he or she:
- Is an active, registered member of their Christian church
- Is one who attends the church worship services on a regular basis
- Is one who demonstrates Christian virtues by his or her lifestyle
- Obtain a letter of Christian Witness from his/her church
Please take this information into consideration when deciding upon a sponsor. Often a relative, sibling or good friend, who is a good person, but does not meet the requirements, is asked to take this role. They, in turn, come to us and we are put in the position of having to say "No" - we become the "bad guys." You child should be able to look to the person you select as a Catholic, Christian role model. If you have ay questions regarding Baptism, Godparents, or Sponsorship, feel free to contact us at (440) 235-2222 and ask to speak to a member of the pastoral staff.
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Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1213