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Sacred Heart Church - The Heart and Hands of the Community

Baptism

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Mt 28:19-20)

Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation, therefore the gateway to all the other sacraments. Sanctifying grace, faith, hope, love, becoming a child of God, and therefore heir to the kingdom, bearing his permanent mark that says we belong to him, being washed clean of original sin, receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, participating in Jesus' mission as priest, prophet and king, born again as a new creation…receive these and other realities as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit take up residence in your soul!

Baptism Preparation (Ages up to six)

Parent(s) need to be registered Parishioners prior to baptism. Since baptismal dates are not set until all documentation is collected, it is best to begin preparing right away; the process can begin during pregnancy. For infant baptisms, the first step is setting an appointment to meet with our Baptism Coordinator, call (973) 748-1800 to begin the process. 

As of June of 2020 Baptisms are being held Privately with the limit of 25 people per Baptism Celebration.

Contact our office for dates and availability for baptism preparation classes. Baptisms are not scheduled until all preparation is completed and all documentation is received.

The Parents/Legal Guardian of the Child are who chose the Godpartents for infant Baptisms. In order to be a Godparent, the following requirements apply:

  1. You must be at least 16 years of age.
  2. You must have received the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic church (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation).
  3. You must be registered in a Parish, be in good standing and faithful in attending Sunday Mass and holy days of obligation.
  4. If you're married, the Church must recognize your marriage as valid according to Canon Law. The rules regarding confirmation and marriage come from Church Law, i.e., CHAPTER IV, 1. 4 “…not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared."
  5. You cannot be a godparent for your own children. Church law requires only one male or one female godparent to be the sponsor, and at most two godparents are permitted, one of each sex. Godparents don't have to be married to each other, but if they're married, Catholic clergy must have blessed their marriage.

Infant Baptism

The sacrament is celebrated seasonally.  Parental preparation for Baptism is required, if it is your first child.  Godparents must be practicing Catholics in good standing, received the sacrament of Confirmation, and present a sponsor certificate from the Church in which they are registered.  For Non-Catholic Godparents, they are a Christian Witness.  Non-Catholic must provide a valid baptismal certificate and a sponsor letter from their Church.  For further questions please call the Rectory at 973-748-1800

 

Baptism of Children of Catechetical Age (ages 7 and up) 

Please contact the Religious Education Office 973-743-4061.

 

Adults Seeking Baptism (RCIA)

Please see our information about the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults and Contact Deacon Jerry at 973-748-1800