Baptism

Baptism is the first Sacrament and gateway to all the others. Through Baptism, we are made a member of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. All of our sins are wiped away and we are given the Holy Spirit, God, to dwell within us. Baptism gives us a multitude of graces and is a hugely important moment in our lives, even if we receive it as infants. We celebrate Baptism at the command of Jesus, who told the Apostles, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church #1213

Infant Baptism

Parents wishing to have their child baptized at Sacred Heart Church must be registered members of the Parish, and both parents must attend a Baptismal Preparation class that is held at times announced in the parish bulletin. Godparents are encouraged to attend. If as a parent you have attended our class in the past three years, you need not attend again. In accordance with Church law, one from another parish may be baptized at Sacred Heart Church with permission of his or her proper pastor.

Scheduling a Baptism

Use the form linked here to submit a Baptism request. Please call the parish office at 740-622-8817 with any other questions.

Godparents

Godparents must be practicing Catholics and 16 years of age or older. You must have at least one Godparent. If you choose two Godparents, they must be a Godmother and Godfather. If you would like to involve non-Catholics, they can serve as Christian witnesses. To fulfill this role, they should be actively involved in their church community.

Adult Baptism

The Catholic Church accepts the baptisms of other Christian denominations as long as they were done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit using water. If an adult has not been previously baptized, he or she would prepare for Baptism and the other Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist) through the RCIA process.