Baptism
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Door of the Church
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The Sacrament of Baptism is often called the "Door of the Church" because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact.
Necessity of Baptism
Christ Himself ordered His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations and to baptize those who accept the message of the Gospel. In His encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), Christ made it clear that baptism was necessary for salvation: "Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
For Catholics, the sacrament is not a mere formality; it is the very mark of a Christian, because it brings us into new life in Christ.
Effects of the Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism has six primary effects, which are all supernatural graces:- The removal of the guilt of both Original Sin (the sin imparted to all mankind by the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden) and personal sin (the sins that we have committed ourselves).
- The remission of all punishment that we owe because of sin, both temporal (in this world and in Purgatory) and eternal (the punishment that we would suffer in hell).
- The infusion of grace in the form of sanctifying grace (the life of God within us); the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; and the three theological virtues.
- Becoming a part of Christ.
- Becoming a part of the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
- Enabling participation in the sacraments, the priesthood of all believers, and the growth in grace.
Biblical references: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:5; Matt 19:14; Luke 18:15-16; Col 2:11-12; Rom 6:13; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; 1 Cor 1:16; Mark 16:16;Rom 5:18-19; Mark 10:14; Jos 24:15; Matt 8:5ff; Matt 15:21ff
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Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism Preparation Class
Completion of a Baptism Preparation Class is required before a baptism can be scheduled. The class is offered several times throughout the year. Also, parents who have not participated in a Baptismal Preparation Class within the past four years are required to participate prior to the baptism of their next child. Information on registering for a Baptism Preparation Class can be found further down on this page.
Scheduling a Baptism
Making arrangements to schedule a baptism, begins with completing a MQSP Baptism Intake Form. This online form is to be completed ONLY by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child.
To access the form, click on the button found directly below.
MQSP Baptism Intake Form
(For questions and/or additional information, you may call the Parish Administrative Office at 724.775.6363 ext. 101.)
Choosing Godparents
Please download the Godparent & Sponsor Guidelines document and read it prior to attending this class as well as selecting anyone as a godparent.
One of the most important issues before baptism is the choice of godparents for your child. You are required to have only one godparent. Normally, there are two godparents, in which case, one is to be male and one to be female. Careful consideration should be given to choosing godparents as they must meet certain qualifications set forth by laws of the Catholic Church.
Canon #874 of the Code of Canon Law states: “To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor (for baptism), a person must:- Be a role model for living the Catholic Faith
- Be appointed by the parents and must have the intention of performing this role
- Be at least sixteen years of age
- Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the blessed Eucharist and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken (attendance at Mass regularly)
- Not labor under a canonical penalty… (being in an invalid marriage or living together) and not in a valid marriage
- Not be either the father or the mother of the child
Please save embarrassment for all concerned by NOT choosing a godparent who does not fulfill the above requirements. In view of these guidelines, the pastor of the designated godparent is normally responsible for determining these qualifications. If you choose a godparent who is a member of a parish other than Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, he/she must obtain a letter of eligibility from the pastor of his/her parish. This original letter is to be delivered to the parish office at least two weeks prior to the baptismal date. Faxes, photocopies, and emails will not be accepted.
A baptized person who belongs to some other non-Catholic community may be asked to serve not as a godparent but as a Christian witness, as long as a Catholic godparent is also chosen. Catholics who have abandoned the Faith may not act as a Christian witness or godparent.
The Church does make accommodations for a godparent who, for good cause, is not able to be present at the ceremony. A proxy may be chosen to stand-in for the godparent at the ceremony.
Adoption and Baptism
In the case of children who are in the process of being adopted, the sacrament of baptism may be celebrated with the consent of the natural parents; otherwise, baptism is to be postponed until after the adoption has been finalized, except in danger of death. Foster parents do not have the authority to present a foster child for baptism.
Baptismal Record
After the baptism, the information will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. Before your child's entry to Catholic school or religious profession; reception of the sacraments of confirmation, marriage, or ordination in years to come, you will be asked for an updated copy of the baptismal Information.
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Baptism Preparation Class
We believe that every child is a precious gift of God. It is truly wonderful that you wish to share the Faith with your child, for Jesus said: “Let the children come to me.”
To begin the task of bringing up your child in the Catholic Church, parents who wish to present their child for Baptism are required to take a Baptism Preparation Class. It is a delight to share with you the rich depth and beauty of what it means to be a Catholic parent. This informal discussion educates attendees on the significance of the Sacrament of Baptism and gives insight and encouragement regarding what parents (and godparents) will promise to do.
Godparents are welcome and encouraged to participate. (Please read the Godparent & Sponsor Guidelines before selecting godparents.) To help attendees and the presenter(s) to focus on the subject matter, it is highly recommended that those who already have children find child care for the class time at which you will be attending.
A Baptism Preparation Class and Dinner will be offered on the following Tuesdays at 6:00PM at St. Frances Cabrini, O’Connell Hall:- Tuesday, August 27, 2024
- Tuesday, November 26, 2024
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025
- Tuesday, May 27, 2025
- Tuesday, August 26, 2025
If you would like to attend, you must register and will need to reserve seating to attend. Class registrations/dinner reservations will be processed online through SignUpGenius.
To begin the registration/reservation process,
Please RSVP by no later than one week before the class you wish to attend
using this online reservation tool.Completion of this class is required before the baptism can be scheduled.
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(If you desire,
you are also welcome to
register for class
and set dinner reservations
by calling the
Parish Administrative Office
at 724.775.6363 ext. 101)
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Documents & Forms
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Baptism
This video presentation is meant to help one understand how Jesus washes us of Original Sin and makes us adopted children of the Father, how Baptism was prefigured in the Old Testament, and why it is necessary for salvation. It also demonstrates the way Baptism makes the baptized a member of the Church, forming bonds of Christian unity and imprinting an indelible mark on the soul.
(The video is part of a service from the Sophia Intstitute for Teachers.)
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