Baptism who is involved

We use further signs and symbols to demonstrate what we celebrate in Baptism. The child is then anointed with the Oil of Chrism, clothed in white and receives the light of Christ through a lit baptismal candle. The celebration concludes as everyone prays together the prayer Christ taught us, the Our Father.

The priest or deacon will pray a blessing for the parents and all who have joined in this joyful welcoming of a new Christian into the Church. To start the process to have a child baptised you will need to contact your local parish. We have a page to help you find your nearest parish if you are unsure of your parish contact details. Water is the central symbol of Baptism. Because water is essential to all life, the water of Baptism symbolises the life-giving grace that sustains those who have become children of God.

The white garment with which the newly baptised is clothed symbolises their new life in Christ. A baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle and presented to the new member as a sign of the light of Christ.

Oil is used twice in the ceremony. After Baptism, the crown of the head is smeared with the Oil of Chrism as a symbol of joy and thanksgiving.

The assembled community at Baptism is a symbol of welcome and represents the community of Christ into which the baptised will be incorporated. The scriptures are always proclaimed at a baptismal liturgy. Jesus is present in the proclamation of the word, calling the gathered community to be disciples. We are reminded that the Christian story is a living story, carrying on throughout the generations and continues through each baptised person.

The Sign of the Cross is the mark of Christians leading us into the full story of the Paschal Mystery — life, suffering, death and Resurrection. Parents and godparents trace the cross as a sign that we are claimed by the One who has created us, and who came among us in Jesus, and who continues to journey with us in the Spirit, and who will welcome us home in the life to come. To follow up with these, or any other questions, contact your local parish.

It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from sin. Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people.

Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation. The child is baptized in the faith of their parents, godparents and of the Church. Parents are responsible for bringing their child to the Sacrament of Baptism as soon after birth as possible. Except in case of necessity, the church is the usual place of baptism. In order that a child be baptized, it is necessary that the parents consent, or at least one of them, or someone legally standing in their place, and that there is reasonable hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith.

In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must be chosen by the parents, have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role, be at least 16 years of age, and be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist, is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith including Marriage and will be a good role model for the one being baptized, and be neither the father nor the mother of the child.

A non-baptized person cannot be a witness Code of Canon Law, cc. If the godparent s do not follow through in this spiritual relationship, you may decide to engage other family or friends to support you and your child in this role. However, godparents listed in the official baptism register can never be changed since they were the historical witnesses to the baptism and entered into a permanent spiritual relationship with the baptized. A white garment is traditional, signifying cleansing received in the waters of Baptism and the purity of beginning a new life in Christ.

Allow extra time for this. You may want to dress as you would for a special family celebration. We ask that family and friends dress respectful of the sacred space. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the baptism to allow for parking and situating your family in the Cathedral or chapel. If you had not submitted eligibility letter s for the Catholic godparent s registered at another parish, please bring these letter s to the baptism.

You may also take pictures afterward. We ask that you respect the sacred space. Please refer to the handout, Rite of Baptism and Renunciation of Sin, provided in the folder from Baptism Preparation class. Cathedral parishioners are not charged a fee for baptism. However, it is customary to give a gift stipend to the celebrant of baptism. The amount is at your discretion. Non-members will be asked to participate in the private baptisms only.

A chapel rental fee will apply. Parking: The parking deck is across from the Cathedral. It may be accessed from Peachtree Road or Peachtree Way. There is limited parking on the plaza which is only accessible from Peachtree Road.

Go to the 3rd floor for the church.