BAPTISMS AT ST. ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY
Introduction
Baptism – the first sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church. It is through Baptism that we become a new creation, we are born anew as adopted children of God, we become co-heirs with Christ, and become temples of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism frees us from original sin. It gives us a sacramental seal and an indelible mark and is a source of sanctifying grace.
Baptism occurs once. It is accomplished by the pouring water and the priest or deacon saying: “_____, I Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Baptism often takes place when the child is an infant, or at any time before the age of reason, which is seven, based on the faith of the parents.
If an older child, or an adult, chooses to be Baptized they would go through a process called RCIA, which prepares them to receive all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) at the same time, which is normally at the Easter Vigil.
Parents are to be models of the Faith and must agree to raise the child in the Faith. Your child needs a good example to follow. In fact, the family should be a Domestic Church; “…In it parents should by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children…” – Lumen Gentium (11)
Some examples of how to be a Domestic Church might be to practice daily prayer, attend Mass, and talk to the child about Jesus, Mary, and the saints or share favorite Bible stories.
First Steps
To schedule a Baptism, contact Deacon Greg Bzdon. He can be reached by email at: gbzdon@archchicago.org or by leaving a message for him at the parish office at 773-763-8228.
When he contacts you, Deacon Greg will ask a series of intake questions concerning the parents and the child.
A copy of the child’s Birth Certificate will be needed. And, in most cases, the parents are asked to be registered parishioners of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish.
If for a good reason, you want your child baptized here and you are not registered parishioners here, a letter of approval from your home parish will be requested.
Preparation Class
All parents are requested to attend a Baptism Preparation Class for their first child.
Classes are held in person one Saturday a month in the auditorium.
Upcoming Baptism Preparation Class Dates for 2024-25 is coming soon.
You will be able to sign up for a prep class when you call to schedule your child’s baptism.
Scheduling
Baptisms in English take place on Sunday after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. You should also attend that Mass.
Other times may be possible based on circumstances.
Baptisms in Spanish take place after the 1:00 Spanish Mass.
Godparents
There are usually two godparents, one man and one woman. At least one must be a practicing, fully initiated (Confirmed) Catholic at least sixteen years old.
The other, if not Catholic, must be a member of another Christian faith, and is referred to as a witness.
The title of godparent is much more than a ceremonial title. Godparents, like parents, are called to be models of the Faith for the child. They should be active participants in the child’s life.
Presider
One of the parish priests or deacons will be scheduled to perform your child’s Baptism.
If you request a specific priest or deacon from the parish you will need to secure their availability first.
If you would like to have Catholic clergy from outside the parish preside, that is fine. Please note, that if this person is from outside the Archdiocese of Chicago, they will need a “letter of good conduct” from their respective (arch)diocese or religious order.
Send to:
Canonical Affairs, Archdiocese of Chicago
835 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611–2030
or email: gsletters@archchicago.org
Photographs
The parish takes pictures of all of those being Baptized with their parents and godparents and puts them in the following weekend’s bulletin, as well as on the parish website.
Donations
We suggest a $75 donation payable either at the preparation class or on the day of the Baptism.
You may use any envelope with your name on it stating that it is for Baptism.