Will the baptismal ceremony be for our family individually, or will the ceremony include several other children being baptized together?
Baptism is a celebration of the community of the Church. While Baptisms generally take place just once a month, it is rare that there are more than one or two children being baptized. The atmosphere is always, prayerful, intimate and festive.
Must I be a member of Prince of Peace Parish to have my child baptized here?
Generally, yes. Every Catholic should be a registered member of the local parish where he or she regularly attends Mass; and that parish is the place where the members of your family should normally receive the Sacraments. If you are not currently registered, but regularly come to Mass at either of the parish churches: Holy Cross, Holy Family, or the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (or are beginning to do so), you will be encouraged to register in Prince of Peace Parish.
***Please note: there is occasionally a situation in which parents who live far from Lewiston want to have a child baptized here because the majority of their relatives live here. This is permitted, but the parents must (1) be registered members of their own local parish; (2) complete the baptismal preparation required by their home parish; and (3) obtain the permission of their pastor for the Baptism to occur here in Lewiston.
I am/We are not married. Can my child still be baptized?
Yes. A child may be baptized so long as there is a well-founded hope that he or she will be brought up in the practice of the Catholic Faith. This is present so long as one parent is willing to practice the Catholic Faith and share it with the child. A child is not penalized for having been born out of wedlock.
If the parents of a child are living together without benefit of marriage or in a civil marriage not recognized by the Church, they would be encouraged to regularize their situation so that they can fully practice the Faith they are called to share with their child. If the parents are willing to do what they can, there is never an insurmountable obstacle to the Baptism of a child.
Neither my spouse nor I is Catholic. Can our child(ren) be baptized Catholics?
Parents have the responsibility to raise their children in the Catholic Faith. In order to do so, at least one parent should be Catholic.
Who can be chosen as godparent(s) for my child?
The purpose of the godparent is to guide the child in the ways of the faith so that they might reach heaven. Only one godparent is required. If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female. The relationship of two godparents emulates spiritually the parenthood of the biological parents.
The Church asks that godparents: