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Baptism
Policies and Procedures
1619 Washington Street
Grafton, WI 53024
262-375-6500
Baptism is the universal
sacrament of salvation for all believing Christians. It is primarily a sign
of initiation into the family of God, and into a particular parish family as
well. While parishes are no longer strictly governed by "canonical
boundaries,' for the sake of good order and meaningful membership in a
parish, baptism is ordinarily celebrated in one's home parish, designated so
either by official membership in a given parish or by a proximate,
neighborhood church.
Church law requires that
parents presenting a child for baptism must attend instruction class prior
to baptism. Since baptism is a sacrament of initiation and welcome into a
believing community, active and practicing membership is required of the
parents. In addition, the person being baptized must be sponsored
(God-parented) by at least one person 16 years of age who is also a
PRACTICING, CONFIRMED member of the Catholic Church.
With the renovation of our
church's assembly, gathering hall, and baptismal/initiation pool in
Spring 2001, provision has been made in accord wit the Church's most
ancient tradition to celebrate baptism by immersion. This is done in the
context of our weekend Eucharistic liturgies which are designated at
least monthly on the liturgical calendar. The parish expects and
requires that parents presenting a child for baptism must have already
familiarized themselves with our baptismal practice and customs by
attendance at a weekend liturgy which includes infant baptism. While we
respect a familial relationship that one to be baptized may have with
clergy outside of the parish, please keep in mind the primary nature of
the parish community and family into which a child is being baptized.
At Saint Joseph Parish,
birth and new membership into God's family and our parish is a great joy
for us. To initiate the baptismal process, please call Fr. Mike
Barrett, Interim Pastor, at 262-375-6500 x103.
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