Baptism
The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. ... Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.
In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.
Scheduling
For ease in scheduling, baptisms are regularly set for:
The first and third weekend of each month after any of the weekend Masses.
Regarding baptisms during Masses
Be aware that once Lent begins the parish custom is to suspend baptisms until we arrive at the Easter season. Please plan accordingly.
Generally speaking you will need to pick one of the regularly scheduled weekends (first or third). There may be rare times when a separate individual time may be approved. Such approval comes from the Pastor. However, you are asked to make every effort to accommodate one of the regularly scheduled baptism weekends (first or third).
Once all requirements have been met for baptism and all documentation has been received by the Parish Office, you may pick the next available first or third weekend for baptism. You are responsible to alert the Office of your plans and to verify that all requirements have been met.
Baptism Class
Contact the Parish Office at 359-2700 to register. You must attend one class and are encouraged to bring your children to class.
Sponsors
Help in how to choose sponsors (godparents).
There are three possibilities for sponsors (godparents) according to the Code of Canon Law:
One set of sponsors, one male and one female
One sponsor of either gender
One sponsor and a non-Catholic witness who is baptized (gender is not important)
Only the names of sponsors are recorded in the baptismal registry.
Sponsors must meet the following qualifications:
Be at least 18 years of age
Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
Be a practicing member in good standing in their Catholic parish or church community
Have sent an official letter from the pastor of their Catholic parish or church stating that they are a member in good standing and lead a life in harmony with the faith and role they will be undertaking
Not be the child's parents
If a sponsor cannot be present for baptism, the sponsor may serve through a proxy. A proxy must have the same qualifications as a sponsor. The name of a proxy is additionally put in the baptismal registry.
“By Baptism we become members of the Church, the Body of Christ.”
Infant Baptism (6 years and younger)
Parents are encouraged to begin this process before your baby is born. Contact the Parish Office at 359-2700.
Only parents or legal guardians can initiate the baptism process.
To indicate active practice of the Catholic faith, at least one parent must be a registered member who regularly attends Mass at St. Monica for a minimum of six months. The six-month period is not necessary if you present a letter from your previous parish stating that you were active there.
Both parents and sponsors must attend a baptism class either at St. Monica or in their home parish, if they have not taken a class within the last three years. If sponsors are from a parish other than St. Monica, they need to attend a baptism class in any parish and get an official letter (with a parish seal) stating that they have attended the class.
Have all letters mailed in advance of baptism to:
St. Monica Catholic Church
2001 N. Western
Edmond, OK 73012.
Youth Baptism (ages 7–15)
Please contact the church office.
Adult Baptism (ages 15 and up)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) outlines the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity. It helps them respond more deeply to God's gracious initiative in their lives and prepares them for union with the Church community. This process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher.