“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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…” – Catechism of the Catholic Church
Parents and Godparents of the child assume responsibility for teaching the child about the faith. Parents are asked to contact the Parish Office, complete necessary paperwork, including verification that they are registered with the parish, before registering for a Baptismal Preparation Class.
Once all preparation is done, you may schedule your baptism.
English Baptisms are held the 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month at 11AM.
Spanish Baptisms are held the 1st and 4th Saturday of the month at 11 AM or during the 7:30 PM Saturday Mass or 2 PM Sunday Mass.
It is customary to give the celebrant of the baptism a stipend at your discretion. Typically, they give anywhere from $20-$100.
For more information, contact the Parish office. at 706-548-6332.
*For adults or teens entering the church, Baptism is one of three Sacraments that represent the culmination of the Rite of Christian Initiation. (RCIA/RCIA for Teens)
The Role of Godparents
The role of a Godparent in the Catholic church is an important one. They are not merely ceremonial gift-givers, nor are they required to physically adopt a child in the event of a parent’s death. They must live a life of faith in agreement with the Church’s teachings, and be familiar with the faith in order to catechize the baptized person and ensure their spiritual well-being, which befits the role of to be undertaken by Godparents.
Choosing godparents should be done based on their spiritual maturity and eligibility in meeting the Church’s guidelines:
- Godparents are to be one man and one woman. They are not required to be married to each other, but if married must be married in the Catholic faith.
- At least one Godparent must be Catholic, age 16 or older and have received the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Non-Catholic Godparents are acceptable as a Witness and must be baptized Christian, but there must be at least one practicing Catholic Godparent as well.
A person who wishes to be a Godparent must provide written verification of eligibility from their home parish that they are an “active parishioner.” This is determined by the Pastor of the church, based on documentation of your tithe envelope that you are registered and attend Mass regularly.
If you are selecting Godparents for the Baptism of a child, or if you have been asked to be a Godparent, it is important to contact the Parish office several months in advance of the baptismal date to obtain an official Sacramental sponsor letter from the Pastor.