Baptism is the start of a life with Jesus that will be lived out through weekly reception of the Eucharist. Baptism is not an end in itself but only a beginning. Therefore those bringing their children to the baptismal waters must understand that the Church insists that parents and godparents educate and raise their children in a Christian manner so that the child’s baptism can have its full effects.
At St. Leo the Great Parish we help parents and godparents with this task by reminding them of the depths of their own baptismal promises through an evening of instruction. During the evening there will also be an opportunity to learn more about the ceremony and meet other parents who will be baptising their children at the same liturgy.
And so the full baptismal process is as follows:
1. Call the parish office (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, 1 :00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to inquire about baptism.
2. Follow the secretaries instructions by acquiring a Baptismal Information Kit. Pat, the secretary, will tell you how to get one of these.
3. Read all of the information in the kit and fill out the enclosed Registration Form, and return it to the church with your envelope containing your donation.
4. You will receive a phone call from Juanita, our Baptismal Process Coordinator, who will review your information and inquire as to a date for your mandatory attendance at a Baptismal Class and supply you with a date for the Sacrament of Baptism.
5. Attend an evening of instruction before the Baptismal Celebration. All courses are currently held on the last Wednesday of every month from 7-8:15pm.
6. Attend the date assigned for your child’s baptism into new life in Jesus Christ as a member of the Church. Enjoy the celebration!
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Baptismal Team: Juanita Wislesky (Co-ordinator) and Fr. Charles (Pastor)
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F.A.Q.
How do I register?
Pick up a baptismal kit from Father Charles after any of the Sunday masses and then contact Juanita Wislesky our baptismal coordinator through the parish office at 905-655-3286 ext. 223.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. The registration fee is $50 per child. However if there is financial difficulty something may be arranged with the pastor.
Who can I choose for godparents?
You can have one or two godparents for your child but if you choose two then they must be of the opposite sex. They both must be baptised and confirmed Roman Catholics who are practicing their faith so that they can model a Catholic way of life to their new son or daughter in the Spirit.
Do the godparents have to attend the evening of instruction?
The godparents should try to attend but it is not an absolute necessity.
What should my child wear for the celebration?
While traditionally parents have dressed their children in white to signify the child’s purity from original sin after baptism, there really is no such need. The white garment that will be placed over your child after baptism already does this. Whatever you choose for your child keep in mind that this is a formal occasion and is a sacrament like a Catholic wedding, deserving the same respect.
When and where are the instruction nights?
They are currently held on Monday evening from 7-8pm at St. Leo the Great Parish in the hall.