Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the gateway to all the Sacraments and is necessary for salvation. As such, baptism is the outward, visible expression of God's invisible grace to us: a celebration of God's faithful love, made primarily manifest in the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Baptism cleanses from original sin or deprivation of original holiness and justice and gives rebirth as a child of God. The newly baptized is welcomed and received into the community of faith and accepts the mission of the church, which is to proclaim the Good News announced by Jesus Christ.

Baptismal Preparation Class

It is required to attend a baptismal preparation class if you are baptizing your first child or if you have not attended a class within 5 years of your last baptized child.

Baptismal preparation classes are held at 12:15pm on the last Sunday of each month.
To register, please call the parish office at 630-837-5411.
This class is held in our Church. Entrance is through door A2 (near the statue with Mary and children). Parents are encouraged to attend the 11:00 am Mass and then head over to Room 1.
Class is run by one of our permanent deacons, so this is a great time to ask questions and receive clarifications.

Choosing a Godparent. Do they qualify?

Godparents should be chosen by parents primarily to be good religious examples to their children and not because they want to bestow a family/social honor. Godparents will be asked to assist parents in teaching the child about the Christian faith and are required to provide an example of the Christian life. As representatives of the Christian community, godparents give witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ, in word and example. A godparent is a permanent choice; changes, deletions are not possible after a baptism takes place. A baptism is a historical moment in life that cannot be deleted or taken away.

Godparent Requirements Per Canon Law

What is Catholic Cannon Law?

Catholic Canon Law is the integral legal system of the Catholic Church. It provides the practical rules for church governance, sacraments, and the rights of the faithful. The ultimate principle and "supreme law" guiding these regulations is the salvation of souls (Canon 1752).

If the following requirements are not met, the chosen godparents are not permitted to take on this role.

If godparents who meet these requirements are not able to attend the date of baptism, they may have a proxy act in their place.

*Christian Witness: A baptized non-Catholic Christian can be chosen as a witness provided there is at least one Catholic godparent taking on the role.

Two Catholic godparents are recommended, but only one godparent is required.
If you choose to have two godparents, one must be male and the other must be female. (Canon 873)
To help the baptized person to live a Catholic Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfil the duties inherent in baptism. (Canon 872) A mature Catholic who will establish a lifelong faith relationship and be willing to walk with the child on their faith journey. A Catholic role model (coach) for the child.
A Catholic who is at least 16 years old (Canon 874, §1, 2º) and has received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation and who leads an active life of faith.
Be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass weekly and receives the sacraments regularly.
Knows, understands, and participates in the Catholic Church community.
If the godparent is married, the marriage must be valid and recognized as a marriage in the Catholic Church. (Canon 874, §1, 3°)
The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized (Canon 874, §1, 5º).