Baptism

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

Baptismal of Infants

To register for a baptism, please fill out the form found at this link.


After you fill-up the form please call the office at 843-723-6066 and schedule to watch the baptism video


The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life. The baptism of infants is a treasured practice dating from the earliest tradition of the Church. Preparation for the baptism of infants is a teachable moment for both parents and the faith community. It can encourage them to re-examine the meaning of faith in their own lives. Baptismal preparation centers on God’s love, on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, on the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church and on the cleansing of original and personal sin. It should reflect on all life as a gift from God, on our being created to the image and likeness of God and on the blessing we have in sharing life with God and with one another.


Baptismal Symbols

 

  • Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
  • Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
  • Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
  • White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

 


Who may be baptized at the St. Patrick Church?

Parents who are registered in our parish, those who have some real link to the Cathedral, and those who can present some other legitimate claim may inquire about baptism for their child.

If you are registered at another parish, you are asked to obtain permission from your pastor to have your child baptized in another parish.


When can a child be baptized?

The Church invites parents to see to the baptism of their infants within the first weeks after birth. Some pastoral considerations are to be noted in determining when the actual celebration will take place.

Preparation of the parents (and godparents) is to be accomplished well before the baptism is to occur. We encourage it to happen prior to birth.

The health of the mother must be considered to assure her presence at the celebration of the sacrament. Her faith, along with that of her husband and of the wider Christian community, is being celebrated and shared with the child.

Any Sunday is an especially appropriate time to celebrate baptism, since it is the day that commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord. On Sundays, baptism may be celebrated during Mass so that members of the community may be present, and the necessary relationship between Baptism and Eucharist may be clearly seen. The sacrament of Baptism may also be celebrated on Sundays at 3:00 PM. It may also be celebrated on Saturdays or other days when the schedule permits.


How do I get my child baptized?

Fill out the registration link. Please complete it – you will need the names of your child’s Godparents as well as their Godparent letters (see the question below re: Godparent letters).

Attend the baptism preparation class, which is in person.

Then you can schedule your child’s baptism by calling the office at 843-723-6066.


How old does my child need to be?

Children can be baptized as early as one week old.

When can my child be baptized?

Your child can be baptized during the 10am Sunday Mass.

Who can be a Godparent?

Any Catholic at least sixteen (16) years of age and who has all the sacraments of initiation – they have been baptized, have received communion, and have been confirmed – can be a Godparent. The child’s parents cannot be Godparents.

What are the Godparent letters?

The Godparent letters are letters or certificates, from the Catholic parish to which the Godparents belong that in which the pastor at the Godparents’ parish assures us they are practicing Catholics.


What is the baptism prep class/video?

The baptism prep class covers the basic theology and spirituality of baptism and focuses on the practice of letting go to help parents connect with God in their everyday lives. Letting go is a way to describe a Christian sharing in the Paschal Mystery, which is the dying and rising of Jesus Christ.

Parents are required to attend. Godparents are required to attend.


When is the baptism prep class/video?

The baptism prep class /video is held (on the first Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM) at the Parish Hall Room 3. Call the office to make an appointment


What if I only have one Godparent?

Only one Godparent is needed to celebrate an infant baptism.


What if I want to have a Godparent who is not Catholic?

Family or friends who are not Catholic are welcome to celebrate the baptism of your child. Only Catholics can act as Godparents for Catholic baptisms, but other Christians can act as a “Christian Witness.” Your family still needs at least one Godparent, but a Christian Witness is welcome to stand with you as your child is baptized.