Baptisms

 

Registration

In the Parish Center on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

 

Baptism Preparation Classes

In the Parish Center on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

 

Baptismal Ceremonies

In the Church on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

 

All arrangements must be made in advance. Contact Mary Salzman, the Baptism Coordinator, at (562) 755-1625.

 

We believe that every child is a precious gift of God. It is truly wonderful that you wish to share your faith with your child, for Jesus Himself said: “Let the children come to me.” Parents who wish to have a child baptized in the Catholic Community of St. Bruno’s will hopefully share our concern for their child’s spiritual life and well-being. It is important to us that your child have every opportunity to grow in faith. With this in mind, we would like to share some of the guidelines and expectations of the Church concerning requirements for Baptism.

 

 

Scheduling

Parents should begin the process by registering their child for Baptism. Baptism registration is held every Tuesday evening in the parish center from 7:00 PM until 7:30 PM. No appointment is necessary for registration. Contact Mary Salzman, the Baptism Coordinator, at (562) 755-1625 for further questions regarding this process.

St Bruno’s Baptisms take place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. You will receive more information and a schedule of upcoming Baptism dates and times at the registration on Tuesday nights.

Unless there is an exceptional circumstance, St. Bruno’s does not schedule private baptisms. Your child will be baptized with a small group of other children. Baptism celebrates the initiation of the child into the parish community and it is very important that the community is present at the time of the celebration.

 

Godparents

There are many wonderful people with great character who would make wonderful Godparents but do not fulfill the Church’s requirements. All Catholic parents should know the requirements before asking someone to be a Godparent. Godparents should be practicing, confirmed Catholics at least 16 years of age and in good standing in the Church. We encourage you to choose Godparents who will take the role seriously. Remember that the role of a Godparent is to help you in raising your child in the Catholic faith. It is our hope that Godparents realize and honor their unique role.

Church law requires that at least one Godparent be a practicing Catholic, fully initiated in the church through Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist and if they are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. If a non-Catholic wishes to share in the role of Godparent they may do so as a Christian Sponsor. A non-baptized person cannot be a Godparent.

 

Preparation Classes

The preparation session is to help you meet other parents and Godparents and to answer any other questions you may have. We will discuss the theology of the sacrament as well as practical aspects.

Both parents and Godparents are expected to attend a Baptism Preparation class prior to the Baptism. We hold classes at St. Bruno’s on the first and third Sunday of every month, at 1:30pm in the Parish Center. No appointment necessary. You may attend any class that falls before your Baptism date.

If you are baptizing at another church and would like to attend preparation classes here at St. Bruno’s, the charge for classes is $25.00 per couple. No appointment necessary.

 

Marital Status of Parents

Jesus says: “If you love me, keep my commandments”. We urge parents, as the first teachers of their children, to live holy lives. If your current situation prevents you from participating fully in the life of the Church, we want to help you to return to full communion. Your situation, however, will not prevent your child from being baptized, as long as you guarantee that you will do all in your power to properly form your child in the Catholic Faith.

 

Age Limitation

If your child has already reached the age of reason (7), it is important that he/she know what Baptism is. Such a child would be required to participate in religious education classes appropriate to their age, prior to being baptized.

For those who accept God’s invitation, faith promises Eternal Life! During the Baptism ceremony the parents are asked to affirm their faith. The desire of parents to have a child baptized is a witness to their love for the child. It should also give witness to their acceptance and living of the teaching of Jesus Christ as handed on to us by the Church. We will urge you to participate in Mass each week, and to lead your child to Jesus by word and example.

The celebration is only the beginning! It is in living the Baptism that we grow in Christ as a family. The faith of your child will grow and develop as he/she witnesses your Catholic faith in action. Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith.

 

For further information on any of these points please contact Mary Salzman, the Baptism Coordinator, at (562) 755-1625.