“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (CCC 1213)
To guide you in the process of requesting Baptism, please read these documents:
Parents living within OLOL need to contact our Pastor, Fr. Leo, for the required baptismal preparation sessions, preferably 6 months before requesting the sacrament. At these sessions you and Fr. Leo will explore:
- Why do we baptize at all?
- Why do we baptize children?
- What is the role of godparents? (Please see the “Guide for Parents” document above.)
- How living out your Christianity teaches your child.
If a family living outside the boundaries of OLOL requests Baptism when returning to visit relatives, the parents must submit a letter from the pastor of the parish in which they reside indicating that they have done the Baptismal Preparation Sessions in that parish. Conversely, if you are being asked to be a Godparent outside of OLOL, you will need to request a letter from Fr. Leo indicating you are a fully initiated Catholic and a faithful, participating member of OLOL.
Generally, all baptisms are performed during a weekend Mass. The child becomes a member of the Community in Baptism. So, it is strongly desirable to celebrate baptisms in the presence of the Community. If there is a need for you to have your child baptized outside of Mass, please bring it to the attention of the priest during the preparation sessions.
Older children (over the age of seven, the “Age of Reason”) are generally enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC). It follows the rituals of the RCIA(adults) but is delivered at a level geared to the age/understanding of the child. Your child will learn the basics of our Catholic faith. After completing the RCIC, they will enter regular religion classes, either in the program of instruction of the parish or by enrolling in a Catholic school.
Baptism is the beginning of a lifetime journey. We are ready to help you in your responsibility to care for your child, body, soul and mind. Just ask for the help you want! Often godparents are uncertain of how to fulfill their special roles. The diocese has created a free online course for them. Or they may desire to give a gift in commemoration of this special sacrament. Many Catholic Christian booksellers exist. This book is just one of many possibilities.
Do you need a Baptism Record? Download a request sheet below. Please note you must be the individual, parent, or legal guardian to receive a copy of the record, there are no exceptions for the sake of privacy!
- Request for Baptismal Certificate Send to 210 Keuka Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
“From the very day of Pentecost the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism. Indeed St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his preaching: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The apostles and their collaborators offer Baptism to anyone who believed in Jesus: Jews, the God-fearing, pagans. Always, Baptism is seen as connected with faith: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household,” St. Paul declared to his jailer in Philippi. And the narrative continues, the jailer “was baptized at once, with all his family.” (CCC 1226)