"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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, 1213

It is with great joy that expectant parents approach St. Anthony's Catholic Church in order to initiate their child into the life of Jesus Christ and His Church in the first few weeks after birth. This journey begins when expectant parents, families and potential godparents attend one of our Catholic Infant Baptism information nights on the second Tuesday of each month.

Before proceeding to Catholic Infant Baptism (for a child under age seven or those lacking the use of reason), however, the universal Church requires two things for its licit celebration.

1. Parents (at least one) or legal guardians must give consent (c. 868 §1, 1°)

2. “There must be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion” (c. 868 §1, 2°)

Founded Hope

This founded hope is manifested in the assurances given by the parents that the child will continue the sacramental journey begun in baptism, be taught to pray, participate in the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday and holy days of obligation, be formed in the Christian life, etc.

First and foremost, this hope is founded in the very actions of the parents themselves, who pray regularly, participate at Mass and the other sacraments, and endeavor to live the Christian life. “If such hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be delayed according to the rescripts of particular law after the parents have been advised about the reason” (c. 868 §1, 2°).

Among the common reasons for a lack of founded hope is the non-activity of the parents in the life of the Church. A trial period will be agreed upon with parents, during which time, they shall participate regularly at Sunday Mass; receive the sacraments, if possible; pray at home; observe popular religious practices; read the Bible; begin to remedy marital situations; etc.

When ready, Catholic Infant Baptism shall take place in the parish church of the parents (c. 857 §2). Since Catholic adults have a proper parish in virtue of where they live (c. 108 §1)—or, in the Diocese of Stockton, where they are formally registered—the baptism of an infant is entrusted to the pastor of that parish (c. 530, 1°). Nevertheless, parents may choose another parish church for the baptism, provided their proper pastor has given his permission for the baptism to be celebrated outside his parish.

Godparents

While not taking the place of parents, godparents (also called sponsors) present a child for baptism together with the parents and assist “the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it” (c. 872). For this reason, the universal Church has the right and obligation to regulate the number and qualifications of godparents.

Canon 874 §1 establishes the qualifications to minister as a godparent. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:

1° be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;

2° have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause;

3° be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;

4° not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;

5° not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.