BAPTISM

Holy 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 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”. (CCC 1213)

Norms for Baptism

Parents wishing to register their child for Baptism should stop by the parish office during business hours or call (773) 588-2620. 

  • We ask parents to bring their child’s birth certificate when signing up for Baptism.  Please note that the Catholic Church only allows for the parents themselves (at least one of them) or the legal guardian to ask for the Baptism of their child. (Can. 868.1.1)   

  • Once children are over the age of 7, they are no longer consider infants by the Church and receive Baptism and the other Sacraments in a different manner (Can. 97). Please contact the Religious Education Office directly for these children. 

  • The Catholic Church does not charge for the celebration of any sacrament.  That said, parents are invited to make a donation for the expenses of the parish.  Suggested donation for registered parishioners who regularly contribute financially to the parish is $50.  For non-parishioners, the suggested donation is $100.  No one is ever refused the sacrament merely because of lack of financial resources.  

The Sacrament of Baptism takes place at:

OUR LADY OF MERCY

• Third Sunday of the month 3:00pm (English)

• First and Third Saturday of the month 11:00am (Spanish)

• Second Sunday of the month 2:30pm (Spanish)

St. Francis Xavier

• First Sunday of the month during the celebration of Mass (9:30am English and 11:30am Spanish)

Note: There is a maximum of two children when baptism takes place during Mass.

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." - Galatians 3:27

GODPARENTS

Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. (Can. 872) 

Norms for Godparents(Can. 873 & 874)

There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.  They do not have to be a married couple. 

  • They must be 16 years of age or older.  Exceptions are granted by the pastor. 

  • They must be Catholics who have been baptized, received Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of Confirmation who live lives of faith as active members of the Catholic Church in keeping with their role as godparents.   

  • If married, they should be married in the Catholic Church. 

  • Parents of the one being baptized may not serve as godparents for their own child.   

  • A baptized non-Catholic may serve as a godparent, provided the other godparent is a Catholic.   

Parents and godparents are asked to attend a preparation course for the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism.  These are general scheduled on Friday evenings throughout the year.  You can sign up for these talks with the parish office. 

Parents are asked to give consideration to the above norms when selecting their godparents.  Godparents will be asked to attest to the fact that they meet the criteria.