Baptism is the Sacrament of entry into the Christian way of life. In Baptism, we have a new beginning in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. We become members of Christ to bring about God's love and mercy in this world.
For more information about the Sacrament of Baptism, watch the Sacraments 101: Baptism (why we baptise) video by Busted Halo.
For more information about the Sacrament of Baptism, watch the Sacraments 101: Baptism (why we baptise) video by Busted Halo.
Requesting a Copy of a Baptism Certificate
We ask that all people requesting a copy of their baptism certificate fill out our certificate request form (available by request from our parish office). Once the form is completed and returned to the parish office, we we will notify you when the certificate copy is ready for pickup. There is an administrative fee associated with this service. At this time, we can only accept payment via cash or cheque. These certificates can only be requested by:
- The person named in the certificate
- A parent of legal guardian of the person named in the record if the person is not yet 18
- The children or descendants of deceased persons
- A person with written authorization from one of the parties named above
Frequently Asked Questions
Families preparing to receive Sacraments often have questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Who Can Receive the Sacrament of Baptism?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “every person not yet baptized” is able to receive the Sacrament of Baptism (CCC 1246).
At What Age Should A Child Receive the Sacrament of Baptism?
Under ordinary circumstances, parents should have their child baptised as soon as possible after the birth. There are different processes to the preparation for infant baptism, children under the age of reason (approximately age 7), children past the age of reason, and adults. Once children are over the age of seven, they will be received into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for children.
When Do we Set a Date for the Baptism?
The date of the Baptism will be set after speaking with our pastor. Baptisms are celebrated during a Mass, preferably during a weekend Mass. Please contact the parish before setting a date or making any other arrangements for the baptism.
ARE THERE FAITH REQUIREMENTS OF PARENTS WHO WISH TO HAVE THEIR CHILD BAPTISED?
Parents must express their willingness to have their child baptised in the Faith of the Catholic Church. At least one parent should be a practising Catholic, allowing for some hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith.
DO WE NEED TO BE REGISTERED MEMBERS OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CHURCH TO HAVE OUR CHILD BAPTISED IN YOUR PARISH?
Yes. If you wish for your child to be Baptised in our parish, it is assumed that you are practising your faith in our church and are a registered member of our church. The reception of any Sacrament is a celebration of the Catholic community where you worship and should be celebrated in your home parish. There are some exceptions, and in these cases we will work with non-parishioners to provide the Sacrament. If your family belongs to another parish, we ask for a letter of delegation from the pastor of your home parish. This is done as a courtesy for the priest of your home parish, who traditionally has Sacramental jurisdiction over their own parishioners.
WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY REGISTERED MEMBERS OF ANY CHURCH, CAN WE REGISTER AT ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER?
If you are called to worship in our church, and would like to be part of our parish community, then you are welcome to register with us! To learn more about becoming a registered member of St. Joseph the Worker Church, please contact the parish office.
ARE THERE BAPTISM PREPARATION SESSIONS?
If this is your first child being baptised in our church, then both parents must complete a series of three baptism preparation sessions. Both parents must attend the session. Please speak with our pastor to arrange a time for the preparation session. These adult sessions are recommended by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface and are designed to help parents rediscover and reinvigorate their faith and give them the essential elements of the faith so that they may, in turn, pass them to their children.
DO BOTH PARENTS NEED TO ATTEND THE PREPARATION SESSIONS?
Yes. If this is your first child being preparing for the Sacrament, both parents must attend all preparation classes. If you are unable to accommodate this, we recommend waiting until a time when your schedule will work with these classes. Parents are only required to complete these sessions once with their first child but may choose to participate again with a younger child at another date.
WHEN DO BAPTISM PREPARATION SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
Baptism preparation sessions are regularly scheduled throughout the pastoral year from September to June. Our next series of sessions is scheduled to take place beginning April 29.
ARE THERE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BAPTISM?
There are no costs associated with receiving the Sacrament of Baptism in our church. If you would like, you may offer a stipend to the priest who performs the baptism, or make a donation to our church.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE GODPARENTS?
Godparents, acting as representatives of the Christian community, assist the priest and parents in welcoming the child into both the parish community and the Catholic Church. Godparents act as role models for those being baptised and help the parents in the Catholic upbringing of their child.
The Code of Canon Law describes some of the requirements for being a Godparent (Canon 874):
The Code of Canon Law describes some of the requirements for being a Godparent (Canon 874):
- There is to be only one male or one female sponsor or one of each. One person is not able to have more than one Godfather or more than one Godmother.
- A Godparent must be at least 16 years old
- A Godparent must be a Catholic who has received the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation)
- A Godparent must be a person who leads a life of faith in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church
- A Godparent must not be the father or mother of the person receiving the Sacrament of Baptism