Baptisms
Baptism is the first step in the threefold initiation of Christians. It is the sacrament that gives us a share of God's life (sanctifying grace), welcomes us as members of God's family and unites us as brothers and sisters in the community of faith.
Baptism is entrance into a specific parish. Accordingly, except for extraordinary reasons, and only with permission from the pastor of the parish where the parents are active parishioners, but wish their child to be baptized in this parish, Baptism is performed for
parishioners of this parish. Parents, by their active participation in the faith, give the required assistance that the child to be baptized will be raised and supported in the Catholic Faith.
Godparents:Prior to the day of Baptism, a testimonial sponsor letter for the godparents must be provided.
Usually, two godparents are chosen by the parents. If there are two, one must be male, one female. If only one godparent is chosen, the godparent can be either a man or a woman.
According to Church Law, a godparent must:
1) be of mature age (i.e. 16 years or older);
2) be a fully initiated Roman Catholic (i.e. have received all three sacraments of
initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist);
3) be an active member of the Church (e.g. attends and participates in worship on a very regular basis);
4) has not incurred an ecclesiastical penalty (e.g. someone who has married outside the Church).
A godparent, fulfilling these requirements, can request the needed sponsor letter from the parish where they are registered, participating and known. One qualified godparent is necessary. A Christian of another faith may be assigned the role of Christian Witness.
Arrangements for infant Baptism are to be made in advance by contacting Sister Eulalia at the Church Office, 914-631-1672. Parents who have not already attended a Pre-Baptismal Instruction must do so, and must provide a copy of the birth certificate.
When: Baptisms are performed on the last Sunday of the month, usually at 1:00PM. Pre- Baptismal Instructions are held on the Tuesday just before the last Sunday of the month. During Advent and Lent, Baptisms are not performed.
