Catholic baptism questions...?

Question

I am looking to get my 7 week old son baptised and I dont know how to go about it. Can anyone help me? Does it cost anything at the Church? How long in advance should I book the mass or is it just a come to the mass at anytime? Is it only on Sundays or are there Saturday ones? Also, who should all be invited to the mass and after party? I would it if anyone can answer thses questions for me. I have called two churches but both the person in charge wasnt in today to answer them.

Answer 1

Congratulations!

Most parishes have a Baptism coordinator to whom you will have to communicate.

Baptism does not cost money but a donation will not be declined.

The best time and place for a Baptism is during Mass in the presence of the entire parish family but a private or semi-private ceremony might be able to be arranged.

You will need to select the Godparents and anyone else you wish to witness the Baptism and go to the party.

You and your spouse will also have to attend a class on Baptism and its rights and responsibilities.

Baptisms are not usually performed during Lent so most parishes will probably ask you to wait until after Easter.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

If you contact your local Catholic Church now, you may be able to have your child baptized by the second week of Easter or so. You will have to go to some classes and it does not cost anything. They do like to baptize at Mass because you are introducing your child to the body of Christ which is the congregation. It is only right that they be there. The classes will be to instruct you and find out information on Godparents etc. What the Church does not want to see happen is you bring your child for baptism and then you never bring them again which happens way too much. They will want to make sure that you understand your role of raising this child in a Christian home and this means regular attendance at Mass. Why give birth to a child and not feed it right?

Answer 3

It doesn't cost anything. However it is custom to offer the priest a stipend, that is up to you. Usually baptisms are after Mass, which is either Saturday or Sunday. There are some baptisms that occur during Mass, most of those are for adults entering into the Church. When to do this? This is usually discussed with a priest as soon as the baby is born and done within a few weeks, but don't worry!! Those that should be invited are the godparents this is VERY IMPORTANT!(read below):

The godparents act as witnesses and perform ritually in the same way that the Jewish kvatterin ("godmother") and kvatter ("godfather") pass a child to be circumcised from the former to the latter until the child reaches the mohel (the rabbi who circumcises).

There should, ideally, be one male and one female for this task, both baptized Catholics who are in good standing with the Church and who've reached the age of sixteen. If two sponsors are unavailable, one will suffice.

Among those who may not act as sponsor are: members of religious orders, spouses in respect to each other, parents in respect to their own children, infidels, heretics, members of condemned secret societies, and public sinners (Note: the 1983 Code of Canon Law does not mention that spouses may not sponsor each other and that members of religious orders may not act as sponsors. As to Protestants, it says that while Protestants may not act as sponsors, they may act as "witnesses").

And other invited to the 'after party' can be whomever you wish!

Answer 4

From what I know, the baptism is free. I think all you need to do is schedule it with your priest, ask him whatever questions you have. He'll be glad to help out.

God bless.

Answer 5

contact your local RCIA