“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20

“Baptism is the sacrament of rebirth as a child of God sanctified by the Spirit, of unity with Jesus in his death and resurrection, of cleansing from original sin and personal sins, and of welcome into the community of the Church.” (General Catechetical Directory, par. 11)

“‘The faithful who by Baptism are incorporated into Christ, are placed in the People of God, and in their own way share the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ, and to the best of their ability carry on the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the world. There is, therefore, one chosen people of God: one Lord, one faith, one Baptism (Eph. 4:5). There is a common dignity of members deriving from the rebirth in Christ, a common grace as sons, a common vocation to perfection, one salvation, one hope and undivided charity.” (Lumen Gentium, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, paragraphs 31. 32.)

Infant Baptism

What Do I Need To Do?

• Contact Parish Office by calling 301-994-0525
• Fill out registration form for Infant Baptism
• Choose Godparents (See requirements listed below under Godparents)
• Schedule Baptism with Parish Office
• Attend preparation sessions

Children’s Baptism

In an ideal world parents would celebrate Baptism within the first few months of their child’s birth. In our complex world, however, for myriad reasons, a few months sometimes become a few years and parents come to the parish seeking Baptism for children of various ages. We recommend that parents contact our church office while they are expecting a child to attend the baptismal class and schedule a baptism.

If a child is under the age of seven, prior to Baptism a child will receive age appropriate instruction about the sacrament of Baptism.

If a child is seven years of age and above, special instructions will be provided as below.

“A child who has attained the use of reason is no longer an infant, and is to prepare for and celebrate the sacraments of initiation according to the pattern for adults,” according to 3.7.2 of the Liturgical Norms and Policies of the Archdiocese of Washington, 2010.   With the completion of the seventh year, a minor is presumed to have the use of reason. Even though it is still the parents who undertake the primary responsibility with their children’s Baptism, the older children need to be included in the preparation as well.

They must enroll in the Special Sacraments class which is a part of Religious Education program. The children should attend the classes for two years in order to receive the full preparation and instruction for the sacrament they are about to receive. At the completion of the two year program the children will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist).

What Do I Need To Do?

• Contact Parish Office by calling 301-994-0525
• Enroll the child in the Religious Education program (Special Sacraments Program)
• Choose godparents (See requirements listed below under Godparents).

Adult Baptism

“Interested in Becoming Catholic?”

• Are you baptized Catholic and need to be confirmed? Click Here

Baptism Class

• Parents who bring their first child for Baptism are required to attend a Baptism class beforehand. Godparents are also asked to attend these discussions if they live in the area.

• The Baptism class is normally held in the Holy Face Church hall on the second Tuesday of each month. Registration is required.

Godparents
Godparents have a special role in Baptism. Along with the parents, they present the child to the Church. It is also their responsibility to assist the baptized person in leading a life in harmony with Baptism and to fulfill the obligations flowing from it.

Requirements for godparents are the following:

• They are confirmed and practicing Catholics at least sixteen years of age

• They lead a life of faith in harmony with the function they are undertaking and have the intention of undertaking this function

• They are not parents of the child

• They are not bound by a legitimately declared or inflicted canonical penalty.

• Non-Catholics who are baptized can serve as “Christian witnesses.” As believing Christians, they can share their faith in Christ with the child. They will be identified in the register as witnesses to the Baptism. A Christian witness needs a letter from the church he or she attends which states that he or she practices his or her faith and is a baptized Christian.

• There must always be at least one Catholic person who has the office of godparent.

• People who are not baptized cannot be either godparents or witnesses.

Godparents are asked to bring a letter or certificate from their home parish stating that they are a Catholic in good standing. If one is a Holy Face parishioner, please contact the pastor at Holy Face. Godparents living in the area are asked to attend the Baptism class along with the parents.