“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried, therefore, with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons (and daughters) of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission…” Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1213)
The Sacrament of Baptism is often celebrated as soon as possible after birth. Parents should contact the parish office office at (757) 877 5021 or email: [email protected] to allow adequate time for the necessary preparation of the parents and the godparents. Monthly classes are offered for both parents and godparents to help them prepare.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that godparents “must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized child… on the road of Christian life.” In selecting a godparent, you should consider carefully a person’s capacity to provide this help. (One godparent is required for Baptism, although two may be chosen. In the case of two godparents, they must be male and female.)
In order to be a godparent, according to Church law, a person must:
- Be at least 16 years old (A pastor may grant an exception to the age requirement for a just cause.)
- Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist (A member of the Eastern Orthodox Church may serve as a godparent as long as a Catholic godparent has also been chosen.)
- Not be bound by a canonical penalty
- Be leading a life of faith befitting the role to be undertaken (for example, regularly attending Sunday Mass; if married, be in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church)
- Not be a parent of the child