Q: DO I HAVE TO BE A PRACTICING CATHOLIC TO HAVE MY CHILD BAPTISED AT CANADIAN MARTYRS?

A: Yes, to have your child baptized at Canadian Martyrs it is necessary for at least one parent to be a practicing Catholic. This requirement ensures that during the baptismal ceremony, when the profession of faith is made on behalf of the child, the parents can sincerely and truthfully affirm their commitment to raising their child in the Catholic faith. If you are not yet a Catholic but would like to be, please look into the RCIA program here.

Q: DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF CANADIAN MARTYRS TO HAVE MY BABY BAPTISED HERE?

A: The celebration of all our sacraments are community events. If you are a Catholic parent living within the boundaries of Canadian Martyrs, or living outside the geographical boundaries but are registered and supporting the parish, you may have your child baptised here. If you live in another part of the Diocese or in another city, but would like to have your child baptised here for special reasons, please email the parish office for more information.

Q: WHEN ARE BAPTISMS HELD?

A: Baptisms are a joyous event, and we want the community present to welcome your child as they begin their journey with God. Baptisms take place on the 4th Sunday of each month, at either 11:30 am or 1:30 pm, depending on your circumstances. If you have significant reason to require baptism at another time, this may be possible with the approval of the priest.

Q: WHO CAN BE A GODPARENT?

A: Every person being baptised, whether a child or an adult, must have a sponsor. The sponsors in Baptism have traditionally been called godparents. The minimum requirement is one sponsor, but usually when infants are baptized, they have two, one of each gender. Canon law permits only one godparent of each gender – a godmother and a godfather. If you wish, along with the Catholic sponsor, one godparent can be a baptised Protestant Christian in good standing. They would be known as a Christian witness. To be a sponsor, you must:

• Be at least 16 years or older
• Have received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation
• Not be the parent of the one being baptised

Q: WHAT IF I AM A SINGLE PARENT?

A: If you are not married (a single parent), this situation, by itself, is not a sufficient reason to delay the Baptism of your child. You will be asked to meet with Fr. Gregory to discuss your responsibilities in raising your child in the faith as a single parent.

Q: WHAT IF WE DID NOT MARRY IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

A: If you are living together, or were married in another denomination, or civilly, you will be asked to meet with Fr. Gregory before a date for Baptism can be set to discuss the sacramental validation of your marriage. Each parent must make a promise to raise the child according to the faith, a faith that they themselves are practising. That is difficult to do when the marriage is not a sacramental one.
Jesus gave us His Sacraments to confer Grace upon us. It is this Grace that strengthens us to live according to His commandments. And this includes all of His Sacraments. We support your decision to commit to each other in a civil marriage and would like to discuss the benefits to you and your relationship of inviting God into your life together by having your marriage “blessed” in the Church. Every situation is a little different, so please discuss this with Fr. Gregory.

Q: ARE THERE ANY FEES ASSOCIATED?

A: There is no cost to have your child baptized. However, it's customary for individuals to make donations to the Church on this occasion. A typical donation to the Church is around $150, with a portion of that often being directed towards supporting the pastor, usually around $50. These contributions are a heartfelt way to express your gratitude and support for the Church's mission. Should you wish to extend an additional gesture of appreciation, you can consider offering an honorarium according to your means. Feel free to have a conversation about this matter with Fr. Gregory during your meeting with him. Your generosity is always valued and respected.

Q: WHAT IF MY CHILD IS OLDER THAN 7 YEARS (GRADE 2)?

A: Children who have reached the age of reason and are of catechetical age (that is, children who have completed grade 2 or are older) who desire to celebrate Baptism should participate in an RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) program. RCIC is a process designed to prepare children and young adolescents for the Sacraments of Initiation, which typically include Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. It is primarily intended for children who have reached the age of reason, usually around 7 years old or older, and have not yet been baptized or received the other sacraments mentioned.

The RCIC program serves children who may not have had the opportunity to receive these sacraments as infants or young children. It provides them with age-appropriate catechesis (religious instruction) and spiritual formation to prepare them for full participation in the Catholic faith. We do not offer an RCIC program at Canadian Martyrs, but can direct you to a local parish that does.

Q: WHAT IF I AM AN ADULT WHO HASN'T YET BEEN BAPTISED? OR AN ADULT BAPTISED INTO ANOTHER RELIGION THAT IS INTERESTED IN CONVERTING TO CATHOLICISM?

A: If you are an adult who has never been baptised, or baptised into another religion, please contact the office about the RCIA program. You can also learn more here. And welcome! We look forward to walking alongside you as you journey into communion with the Catholic Church!