All human beings are created by God and are therefore His creatures. Yet God desires more than a creature/creator relationship with each person. God loves each of us and will provide for all of our needs, but He wants us to be in a real relationship with Him. That real relationship begins with Baptism.

Our life experiences confirm a basic human reality - our brokenness makes it easier for us to be selfish than selfless, to turn first to anger rather than forgiveness, to put ourselves first rather than others. This is the basic human condition that results from our separation from God. When we are baptized, that basic human wound is healed and we are made adopted sons and daughters of God. We become part of God's family, the Church. We receive the Holy Spirit into our soul, who gives us the grace to be selfless, to forgive and to put others first in our daily lives.

The gifts given to us in Baptism are so important, that Jesus said one must be baptized to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In his dialogue with the Pharisee Nicodemus, Jesus said “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit."

What is the process for being baptized?

 IF YOUR CHILD IS UNDER THE AGE OF SEVEN:

Contact the Rectory Office at (207)532-2871 or email the Parish Catechetical Leader at least two months before the date you would like your child baptized. If you call the Office, you will be asked a few questions and will then be contacted by the Parish Catechetical Leader to set up Baptismal Preparation Sessions. Parents and godparents particpate in two Baptismal Preparation Sessions which are scheduled at your convenience. Once the sessions are completed, call the Rectory Office to schedule your child's Baptisms.

IF YOUR CHILD IS EIGHT AND OLDER:

Children who are eight and older have a different process for preparing for Baptism because they receive Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist at the same time, rather than separately (as with children under eight-years-old). To learn more, contact the Parish Catechetical Leader.

ADULT BAPTISM:

Selecting Godparents:

The first biggest decision you make for your child's faith life is the commitment to have your child baptized and to bring them up in our Catholic faith. The second biggest decision is selecting a godparent. The godparent's role is to help you guide, support and mentor your child as he grows in our Catholic faith.

Learn more about the role of godparents by watching this video:

Here are the established norms and expectations in choosing a godparent:

• There must be one godparent, but you may have two; if two, one must be male and one must be female
• One godparent must be actively living their Catholic faith and meet the criteria as explained below:
  • Is at least 16 years old.
  • Has been Baptized and Confirmed and receives Holy Communion and Reconciliation on a regular basis.
  • Free from any impediments that prevent them from actively participating in the sacraments. The most common example of an impediment is if he/she is married outside the Catholic Church (in another faith or civilly). If married, they must have been married in the Catholic Church.
  • Attending a Baptismal preparation session like Belonging is not required, but it is highly encouraged.
• The second godparent:
  • Can be another Catholic in good standing who meets the criteria above OR
  • A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic church. They would be a Christian witness.
  • They cannot be a Catholic who no longer practices in the Catholic faith, even if they are practicing their Christian faith elsewhere.