Baptism
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 of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. . . . Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.
In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ’s call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Baptisms of Infants
The baptism of children into the faith is a joyful occasion for the entire Church and we look forward to celebrating that with your family. Please contact Joann D’Antuono (630)-601-1763 to schedule your infant’s baptism.
- All paper work must be in the office three weeks prior to the Baptism.
- At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic.
- Godparents must be at least 16 years old, confirmed Catholic, practicing their faith and willing to accept the responsibility to support their godchild in faith.
- Parents are required to attend a “Welcome Your Child” preparation meeting held every other month at 7:00pm. Contact Joann D’Antuono (630-601-1763) to schedule your attendance and for more information.
Baptism of Children – Seven Years or Older
Please contact the parish office to schedule your baptism.
Baptism of Adults
Adults who are interested in becoming baptized, or who would like to learn more about becoming Catholic, are invited to the Becoming Catholic program. For more information, please parishoffice@notredameparish.org See more information under Becoming Catholic.
Godparents
- Must be over the age of 16
- One godmother and/or one godfather
- One godparent must be a practicing Catholic (ie. current on their sacraments: baptism, first communion, confirmation)
- If the second godparent is not a practicing Catholic, or is of a Christian denomination, they will be considered a Christian Witness
Symbols of Baptism
Water – The waters of baptism reminds us of Jesus’ own baptism in the Jordan river. (Matthew 3:13-17) The waters of baptism communicate a full renewal and cleansing of the soul as one begins a new life in Christ.
Oil – At baptism we are anointed as “priest, prophet and king,” the three offices presented in the Old Testament. A cross is traced in oil on the candidate’s forehead as a mark that our inheritance is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle. The Paschal candle is kept lit as a symbol of Christ’s victorious presence in the world. At baptism, we receive our own share of this light, a call to spread forth the light of Christ in our own lives.
White garment – The white garment we receive at baptism symbolizes Jesus’ Resurrection and victory over death. Similarly, the white garment placed on a coffin offers the consolation of our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.