Baptism

What does Baptism do?

• He or she becomes a child of God, a Christian. In essence, God adopts the baptized person into his family, the Church.
• Original sin, all personal sins committed up to the point of baptism, and all temporal punishment are instantly forgiven.
• The soul receives a permanent seal, marking the person as a Christian forever.
• The person receives all rights and privileges due to a baptized person (i.e., the right to a Christian education, the right to marry in the Church, the right to receive other sacraments). 

What Happens at a Baptism Ceremony?

• Catholic baptisms, like other sacraments, are usually received inside a Catholic parish.
• Baptisms can take place during Mass, or they can happen on their own in a stand-alone ceremony.
• Baptism ceremonies involve a gathering, two or three readings, a brief homily, a minor exorcism, the blessing of the water, other blessings, and of course, the baptism itself. 

Who Can Receive Baptism?

Anybody, of any age, who has never been baptized in a Christian faith may be baptized in the Catholic Church. 

For more information, see the Code of Canon Law, 864-878. 

 "The Church baptizes infants because they are born with original sin. They need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and brought into that realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God."

(Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 258)

People of different Christian traditions or Non-Christians are invited to explore our faith through the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Watch the bulletin for R.C.I.A. articles beginning in August. Registration will take place at that time. Classes start in September and run until the Easter Vigil. We also have a special program for children. Please call the Rectory for more information and to register.

When Are Baptisms at St. Hubert?

Baptisms for children and infants at St. Hubert are typically scheduled every second Sunday of the month, and are celebrated during Mass. For adult baptism, please contact the office or visit the RCIA page. 

Note: Because of COVID-19, Infant and Child Baptisms will be scheduled outside of Sunday Mass times. Contact us for more information. 

How many godparents can I choose?
You may choose to have either one, or two, godparents. If two godparents are chosen, one must be male, the other a female.

Do godparents have to be Catholic?
Yes. They may be of any Catholic rite, but they must be Catholic. This is because during the Rite of Baptism, godparents promise to be models of Catholic life, and to assist parents raise the children according to the Catholic faith. 

What if one of the people I want to be a godparent isn't Catholic?
A non-Catholic participant can stand in as a "special witness" of the ceremony. 

Can someone be baptized more than once?
No. 

I was baptized in a non-Catholic, but Christian church. Do I need to be rebaptized?
No. 

I have more questions.
Use the contact form on this page to learn more!

Yes! Use the form to contact us.