Baptism

Parish of Our Lady of Hope > Baptism

The Parish Family of Our Lady of Hope rejoices with you on the occasion of the birth and baptism of your child.  Baptism “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” washes away original sin, begins a life of grace, and introduces the baptized into the Catholic Church.  “As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”

Parents and godparents are the primary teachers of the faith and, with Baptism, commit themselves to helping the baptized to grow in faith throughout their lives. Baptism is received only once because its effect is meant to last a lifetime.

A Communal Sacrament

The Catechism reminds us that “Baptism incorporates us into the Church” and “makes us members of the Body of Christ” (No. 1267).

  • Baptism arrangements for dates and times are made through the Parish business office  at 732-222-1424 and should be made well in advance.
  • All paperwork must be received prior to scheduling a date.
  • Godparents for Baptism and Sponsors for Confirmation must supply a Sponsor certificate, also called a Letter of Eligibility,  from the parish that they currently belong to and attend on a regular basis. 
  • Sponsor certificates must be signed and newly dated. 
  • Please contact the rectory office for additional information and requirements needed prior to scheduling a date.

Sacrament of Baptism covid guidelines

Preparation for the Sacrament

    1. As the first in the Catholic Church’s Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism is a time of special joy and blessing for each family. In seeking baptism for their child, parents make a public promise to journey with them, to be their first teachers, and to offer a guiding hand. In baptism, a child will be welcomed into our Church family. Because as members of the Church we are all connected to each other, our community is committed to partner with the family in nurturing the faith of a child. We provide families with the resources, guidance, and Sacramental preparation needed to continue to raise your child in the Catholic Faith.
    2. The first step in arranging a baptism is to be sure the parents are registered parishioners.  If you are not yet registered, Parish Registration forms are available under the “About Us” tab of our Website or at any parish office (School, Religious Ed, Rectory or in the church sacristy). After filling it out, just mail it to the Parish Office or drop it in the collection basket.

Baptism Preparation Class

To help understand the full meaning of baptizing a child in the Catholic faith, all first-time parents are required to attend a baptismal preparation class. Baptismal prep classes are held on the first Tuesday of each month and led by one of our priests or deacons. Registration is required and both parents are expected to attend.  Attendance to a Baptismal prep class is mandatory. If you are unable to attend a class at our parish, please find another Catholic Church that offers the class and provide written confirmation from that parish of your attendance.  Please contact the parish office to schedule a class.

The Role and Responsibility of Godparents and Sponsors

The Church takes very seriously the important role of being a Godparent or Sponsor.  A sponsor must be someone who can represent the Church in the continuing faith formation of those entrusted to their care. Choosing a sponsor would be based on the person’s dedication to the Faith and regular practice thereof. To be chosen as Godparent for Baptism is a great honor that carries with it great responsibility.  It is your role to help form the candidate for Baptism in the Catholic Faith; to be a good role model and to inspire them to live an authentic Catholic Christian life.  Thus, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law (C 872, 874, 892, and 893), the Catholic Church requires the following of Godparents and Sponsors:

I AFFIRM THAT:

    1.   I am 16 years or older.
    2.   I have received the Sacraments of Initiation.  I am a fully initiated (Confirmed) member of the Catholic Church in Full Communion.
    3.   If married, the marriage is recognized by the Catholic Church
    4.   I am a registered parishioner who regularly practices your faith and attends Mass regularly.

We cannot grant letters of eligibility to prospective Sacramental Sponsors if these criteria are not met.