“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.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Regardless of age, Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. While typically celebrated with parents and their newborn infants, Baptism is also celebrated for adults through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA).
The Sacrament of Baptism is a wonderful opportunity for the Sacred Heart community to celebrate and welcome our newest members into the Body of Christ. We celebrate Baptisms as follows:
- As a community of families on the second Saturday of each month (10 a.m.)
- (Please note: There are Holy Days and holiday weekends when the Sacrament is not celebrated; check with the Parish Office about such times).
- During Sunday Masses and the Saturday Vigil Mass on the first and third Sundays of the month (except Solemnities such as Christmas, and during some special parish celebrations at particular Masses).
- Baptisms are not celebrated at Mass or in the community setting during Lent.
Baptismal Preparation classes for parents are required for all celebrations of Baptism.
- We ask that you pre-register for these classes.
- Please call the Parish Office at 813-229-1595 for more information and registration.
- We are privileged to celebrate many Baptisms with our families and so Baptismal classes can sometimes be completely full as much as two months in advance of the date of celebration.
Being a Godparent
If you have been asked to be a godparent or sponsor, it will be your role and responsibility to help the newly baptized or confirmed lead a life in harmony with the Gospel. One of the most effective ways to share one’s faith is through example of the way you live and practice your Catholic faith every day.
To fulfill such a task, one must not only hold the beliefs of the Catholic Church, but live by them in a visible way.
Before a letter of good standing can be issued, you should be active and involved in the life and ministry of Sacred Heart Church consistently for the last six months.
The letter is a testimony from the pastor that you are active and involved – not simply that you are registered here. An active and involved member:
· celebrates Eucharist with us on a weekly basis
· knows other members of their “pew community” and is known by the friars,
· supports the parish by volunteering or ministry, and supports the parish financially.
In other words, you are living your faith in community.
Being an active and involved parishioner is not the same as:
– I was married in the Catholic Church.
– I’ve celebrated all of my sacraments.
– I went to Catholic school for twelve years.
– I’ve had all of my children baptized at your church.
– My parents/grandparents went there.