THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Through Baptism, the faithful are destined for the worship of the Catholic religion.

The Sacrament of Baptism is held at 2:00 p.m. on the Second Sunday
of every month. To register, please introduce yourself to one of the priests after Sunday Mass.
An appointment will then be arranged.
An evening baptismal course, which takes place once per month, is required.

1. Parents of children to be baptized should be members of Our Lady Queen of the World, Parish.
   The criterion for membership is as follows:
   • Residence within the geographical boundaries of the parish.
     
   • If living outside the boundaries they can become members by attending and supporting the
     parish for at least 3 months prior to the baptism.
     
     
2. Only the parents can petition the church for baptism of their children.
   They must fill out the registration form given to them by the priest after Mass on Sunday.
   After it is completed, they must approach a priest again to make an appointment at which time they
   will bring the completed Baptismal Registration form with them. Only then will dates be discussed.
   
   
3. Parents should be baptized and practicing Catholics, attending mass on a regular basis.
   They should also be in a valid marriage (which means they were married in a Catholic Church
   or had the permission of the Archbishop to marry in another Christian Church).
   If any of these conditions are not met they will be invited to discuss the possibility of having
   their union validated in the church they want their child to be part of.
   If they are not attending regularly there must be some degree of certainty that the child will be
   taught the faith and be brought to church. There must be some willingness and commitment
   on the part of the parents to do so before the baptism can take place.
   
   
4. Although Baptisms are not refused at Our Lady Queen of the World, there may be times when they
   are delayed until various concerns are worked out. Sacraments should not be entered into lightly,
   or under family pressure, or because they are seen as merely social or cultural events.
   The Pastor must be sure that a right understanding and a proper disposition towards the
   sacrament is evident before they can proceed. We are not looking for perfection from our parents but a
   reasonable assurance that the promises they will be making at the Baptismal celebration are meaningful
   to them and to the faith life of their family.
   
   
5. Godparents are intended as good Christian witnesses who will help the parents raise their child
   in the ways of the faith. They should be male and female, to provide a balance and to reflect the primary
   environment of the Christian home.
   Godparents must be at least 16 years of age, baptized and confirmed, and a practicing Catholic.
   Both do not have to be Catholic as one may be a Christian witness who has a valid Christian baptism.
   They cannot be Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, Hindu or any other non Christian faith.
   
   
6. If a godparent cannot attend the ceremony, a proxy may stand in for them.
   A proxy can be from any faith.
   
   
7. An offering for the baptism, which will be added as a donation for tax purposes, is suggested.