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You must be a member of Ascension Parish. Out-of-town baptisms can only be performed with permission of the Pastor of the parish in which you belong.
Since the child is being initiated into the Catholic Faith, it is expected that the parents (or the Catholic parent) are practicing their faith by attending weekly Mass. If there is some doubt concerning this matter, the Pastor will discuss this with the parents at length.
To qualify as a Godparent, one must be attending weekly Mass, have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, and, if married, be in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. Godparents from other parishes must receive a Letter of Recommendation from their parish priest. Letters of Recommendation for a Baptism in another parish can be issued to only registered members of Ascension Parish. Regular use of the Sunday envelopes (even if empty) indicates regular attendence at Mass. In addition, they must either attend or have their children attend a Catholic School or Religious Instruction Classes (Grades 1-12). One Non-Catholic Christian is permitted to serve as a witness, provided they are not a former Catholic.
Baptism is the sacrament that frees man from original sin and from personal guilt, that makes him a member of Christ and His Church. It is thus the door to a new and supernatural life. This sacrament has been undisputed in the Church since the beginning of Christian tradition. It has never been rejected by any heresy intending to remain on a Christian basis. Doubts could arise only about the ways and means of administering it and on its effects and way of operation. These things are therefore in essence what Church documents about baptism deal with.
The Church Thus Teaches: Baptism is a true sacrament instituted by Christ. It is administered by washing with natural water and at the same time invoking the Most Holy Trinity. Anybody, even an unbeliever or a heretic can validly administer baptism. Since it confers grace by the signs' being properly carried out children can and should be baptized even while still infants. Baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism effects the remission of original sin and actual sins and of all punishment due to sin; it confers sanctifying grace, membership in Christ and in the Church and the obligation to obey the Church's laws, and give an indelible character. Note: from Pope Innocent III AD1201. The baptism of young children is not profitless. As circumcision made men members of the People of Israel, so baptism gives them entry to the kingdom of heaven . . .
5/9/02
