Baptism

"You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so, you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring this child up to keep God's commandments as Christ has taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?"   (Ritual of Baptism)

Parents who wish to have a child baptized in the Catholic Community of St. Bartholomew's will hopefully share our concern for their child's spiritual life and well-being. It is important to us that their child have every opportunity to grow in faith and as a member of our parish. With this in mind, we'd like to share with you some of the guidelines and expectations of the Church concerning requirements for Baptism.

Participation in a Pre-Baptism class is required. Contact the parish office for the schedule of classes and required registration. Classes are held on Sunday evenings in a group or individually by appointment.

The minimum requirements established by the Archdiocese of Hartford (as these requirements reflect Church Law) are:

• The child be baptized in the church of the parish where the parents are registered.
• The Baptism be celebrated on a Sunday.
• That at least one sponsor be a practicing Roman Catholic, that is, a Catholic who has been Confirmed and "leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken."
• The faith of the parents should be developed and there should be some assurance that the child will be brought up in the practice of the faith. Since the right and obligation to educate the child is primarily that of the parents, they should discuss with the priest their specific and realistic plans for the religious training of their child.
• The parents should renew their commitment to the Catholic faith and make a personal re-commitment to the Faith they are pledging to pass on to their children. In order for parents to be able to supply sufficient assurance for the proper religious training of the newly baptized child, it will be necessary that at least one parent be firm in the belief and practice of the Catholic faith and be disposed to do all that is possible for the proper religious education of the child. When such an assurance is lacking, the Baptism is to be postponed.
• Since the Eucharist is the high point in the life and education of the Church, there can be no true religious education that is not founded on devotion to this mystery. Thus, where both parents have been totally neglectful of Mass attendance, it is recommended that Baptism be postponed.

With the above in mind, we welcome your decision to have your child baptized at St. Bartholomew Church. Please know that the whole parish family will do all we can to see that your child grows within a warm, caring parish family and will have the best of opportunities for religious training.