Welcome!
Dear Parents,
Congratulations!, Either through birth or
adoption, you have brought forth (or soon will) a new life, created out of love
for one another. In Baptism, we welcome your child into our
community of
faith in Jesus Christ.
You , as parents, nurture faith in your
child. You share with your little one your faith beliefs... how to pray
and to live as Jesus taught us.
Baptism is the beginning of a lifetime journey in faith. St. Mary's Parish Family celebrates with you and your child at this special time. We are a welcoming community which supports and prays for you on this most important journey.
Peace and Love,
St. Mary's Parish Community
The
following information has
been compiled to help you with
any questions you might have
regarding your child's Baptism
NAMING YOUR CHILD
in Isaiah 43:1, God calls us saying, "I have called you by name, you are mine." Take time to reflect on the name you have chosen. What story will you tell your child about why you gave them the name you chose. They will ask! Names of saints or people who have been special in your lives are possible choices.
CHOOSING GODPARENTS
The role of Godparents is to support you as parents, helping your child to grow in the ways of Christian life. They should be present at the Baptism, professing their faith as representatives of your child's extended spiritual family and of the whole church. Godparents should...
Be persons of faith,
believers in God and God's Church
Have celebrated the sacraments of
Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation
Not be the child's parent.
Usually there are two Catholic Godparents, a Godmother and Godfather. However, one Godparent can be a Catholic, the other being a baptized Christian from another denomination. This person serves as a Christian witness.
A non-Baptized person may not serve as a Godparent or witness. If you have a question about choosing a Godparent, kindly telephone or Baptism Ministry at 631-581-5637, leaving a message if necessary.
CELEBRATING BAPTISM
Please call two months in advance to schedule your child's baptism.
Baptisms are celebrated at St. Mary's during scheduled masses.
This allows the parish community to welcome the newly initiated child into it's
life and practice of faith. It also serves as a reminder to the parish of
it's role of support and responsibility to the newly baptized.
On the day of your child's baptism please arrive at the Church or Auditorium at least 20-30 minutes before the start of Mass. Please look for your Baptism Banner, displayed on the end of the pew, this is the row reserved for your family.
SYMBOLS OF LOVE
in the celebration of Baptism, your child
will experience certain symbols which remind us of God's love and presence among
us.
They include...
The Sign of the Cross - a blessing for your child and yourselves, it reminds us of God's love.
Water- poured over your child's head, signifying his or her new life in Jesus.
Oil of Chrism- (blessed olive oil with perfume added) rubbed on your child's head to confirm the power of God's spirit within, calling all who are Baptized to live a life faithful to Jesus' call.
The White Garment- worn by your child to signify that Baptism makes him or her a new creation, clothed in Christ.
The Candle - reminds us that the LIGHT OF CHRIST has entered your child's life, the flame has enkindled in his or her heart, and it is up to the parents and the Godparents to keep the light of faith burning in the child's life.
OTHER REMINDERS
Photography guidelines:
The prayerfulness of the community requires our respect. In order to focus our attention on the sacred action of initiation into our community of faith through Baptism, we request that you please refrain from taking photographs and the use of camcorders until the mass is ended and the procession has exited. At that time, the presider will be more than happy to pose with you and your family. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
BAPTISMS ARE CELEBRATED AT THE FOLLOWING MASSES:
SATURDAY.....5:00PM.....AUDITORIUM
SUNDAY....9:15AM.......AUDITORIUM
SUNDAY.....10:45AM.....AUDITORIUM
SUNDAY....11:00AM....CHURCH*
SUNDAY....12:15PM.......AUDITORIUM
SUNDAY......5:00PM.....CHURCH
*Not available during the summer
A FAMILY IS....a CIRCLE OF STRENGTH AND LOVE
WITH EVERY UNION AND EVERY BIRTH THAT CIRCLE GROWS.
EVERY JOY SHARED ADDS MORE LOVE.
A FAMILY IS A CIRCLE. A WONDROUS CHAIN
JOINED BY HEARTS
FILLED WITH LOVE.
MAY GOD'S LOVING PRESENCE BLESS YOUR FAMILY WITH PEACE AND JOY!
MaryAnn Giannettino
Pastoral Minister
For Baptism
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child's Baptism please call the Baptism Office at the number below
Baptism Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00PM
(631) 581-4266 x 120
MGiannettino@stmaryseastislip.org