Having Your Child Baptized At All Souls
We would love to baptize your child. Please call the parish office at 407.322.3795 to learn more about having your child baptized here please contact the office. Please note that All Souls Catholic Church does not celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism during Lent, (unless death is imminent) from Ash Wednesday until the Easter Vigil Mass.
Sacraments are by their very nature public and communal. Indeed, the very name Catholic Church derives from the Greek adjective katholikos meaning "universal" and also has roots in the term "all-embracing" thus so are the sacraments. They are never private actions. When one is baptized, the whole Church celebrates and rejoices. Therefore, the communal nature of the sacrament should be reflected in the manner it is celebrated. The third (3rd) Sunday of every month is set aside for Baptisms at the church, during the 10am Mass (English) or 12 Noon Mass (Spanish). Please Note: Baptismal dates will be booked/scheduled upon receipt of the required documents.
We believe it is our duty to offer parents, guardians and godparents the opportunity to fully understand the sacrament of baptism. Our parents and Godparents are required to complete one Baptism Preparation class which helps the parents, families and sponsors of children understand the meaning and impact of baptism on the Christian life. Additionally, the class provides parents/Godparents a greater awareness of their duties as spiritual guardians of their children.
The Baptism Preparation class is a one night session offered once per month rotating between English and Spanish speakers. Preregistration is needed and sign-in required at the class.
Choosing your Godparents
Canon Law of the Catholic Church requires at least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic, and that they have received the three sacraments of initiation (baptism, first communion and confirmation); they must be at least 16 years of age, and if the person is married, he/she was married in the Catholic Church. Godparents are to provide a "Certificate of Eligibility" (or complete an "Affirmation of Faith" form) from the parish where they attend and submit it to the parish office two weeks prior to the baptism.
A baptized person of another Christian denomination may be a Christian witness to your child's baptism. A Christian can be a witness because of their relationship to God (faith), but the Catholic is a mentor and role model in the practice of the religion.
It is vital that parents give very serious consideration to the people they choose to be a child’s godparents. Though it is an honor, it is more a responsibility to be a godparent. We want to avoid hard or hurt feelings. Make your choice based on practice of faith, solid moral character and ability to give good example. Too often the choice is left to whose turn it is in the family, or to friends that parents wish to honor or acknowledge in some way.
Often your choice of godparents is the first lesson of faith you teach your child. Make it count!
Call the parish office at 407.322.3795 if you would like to have your child baptized.