Holy Spirit Church

SACRAMENTS > BAPTISM

Infant Baptism

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way and Holy Spirit Parish’s (HSP) way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

The Rite of Baptism for Children emphasizes the importance of faithfulness on the part of parents when it says to parents: In asking to have your children baptized, "you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith." That word practice is crucial; it calls for Christian modeling on the part of parents.

Children learn to be Christian by osmosis, by experiencing Christianity at home. The "domestic church" prepares children for the local and world Church. It is in the home, in the domestic church, that children first learn basic trust, which is the foundation of faith. Without the experience of faith, hope and commitment in the home, children will not be able to know and understand the larger Church. During HSP Baptismal Preparation, we help the family discern their desire and commitment to teaching their children and continuing this foundation of faith.

Baptism happens not only to the individual, but also to Christ's body, the Church. That's why the rite insists that we celebrate Baptism in the Christian assembly, with the community present and actively participating. It is the HSP community, after all, who is welcoming the new members, journeying with them, providing models for them, supporting and nourishing them.

Infant Baptism is celebrated at a Sunday liturgy upon completion of the parent Baptism preparation program. Call the Catechetical Office for more information - 997-5115.

Photography for Baptisms:

The Baptismal liturgy is a sacred service and one that is full of signs and symbols of your child being born into the family of Christ. We understand that you want to cherish the memories of this day through photography. We also want to preserve the sanctity of this special day. Flash photography and many people taking pictures during the liturgy detract from the liturgy and can be very distracting to the community. To avoid this, Holy Spirit Parish has a special set of ministers who work with you, your family and the Priest to photograph these memories within the holiness of the sacrament.

Our Photography Ministry will use their special gifts to capture all the moments of your child’s Baptism Mass. They will also take family photos and photos with the priest after mass. Since they have worked extensively with the priest and the liturgist, they can often capture images and memories that no one else can.

We make these photos available to you at a very low cost. 50% of this cost is donated to Holy Spirit Church as part of the minister’s stewardship. You can view some of their previous work at: www.holyspiritpictures.com.For additional information please feel free to contact our Ministry Chair: Walter Seepersad, Visual Success at 408.250.0736 or email him at cbean_bwoy@computer.org