Baptism

“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…” – Matthew 28:19-20

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

Parents have a responsibility to present their infants for baptism as soon as possible. Parishes may provide a catechetical program of instruction for parents and godparents which includes: the meaning of Baptism, the obligations attached to the Sacrament, the scriptural foundation for the Sacrament, the sacramental life of the Church, and the Rite of Baptism itself (Code of Canon Law, cann. 851 & 867; Archdiocesan Pastoral Policies Handbook, 3.2.1.3).

Children ages six (6) and under are considered “infants” by the Church (Code of Canon Law, can. 97.2). For the Baptism of infants, the parents, or at least one of them, are to give their consent. Furthermore, there must be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion (Code of Canon Law, can. 868).

As a rule, infants are baptized in the parish church of their parents, unless a just cause suggests otherwise (Code of Canon Law, can. 857.2). To claim Christ the King as one’s proper parish, one must either live within the parish’s territorial boundaries or be registered members of the parish for at least three (3) months. All other requests for baptism at Christ the King must have the permission of the pastor of Christ the King as well as the permission of the parent’s proper pastor (cf. Archdiocesan Pastoral Policies Handbook, 3.2.1.9.e).

STEP 1: Register as a parishioner of Christ the King (if you have not done so yet). New Parishioners are invited to participate in weekly Mass prior to scheduling a Baptism. If you are not currently registered as a parishioner of Christ the King (or if you aren't sure), please contact our main office at (402) 391-3606.

STEP 2: Contact the Parish Secretary to fill out the Baptism Request Form at (402) 391-3606. 

• Baptisms are scheduled around the availability of our clergy. 
• Either a parish Priest or Deacon will be the minister of the Sacrament, according to their schedule.
• Bishops, Priests, or Deacons who are relatives of the family may celebrate a Baptism at Christ the King with the pastor's permission. This should be requested by the parents when scheduling the Baptism. Clergy from another diocese must present a Letter of Good Standing. 

The role of a sponsor (i.e., godparent) is to present with the parents an infant for Baptism and who will help the child to lead a Christian life in harmony with the Sacrament. 

One Catholic sponsor—male or female—is required. If there are two, one of each sex must be chosen. No more than two people may be designated as baptismal sponsors.

Each Catholic sponsor:

• Must be at least 16 years of age

• Must be baptized

• Must have received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist in the Catholic Church

• Must be living a life in harmony with the faith (i.e. frequenting the sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation, not cohabitating outside of Catholic matrimony, etc.)

• May not be under a canonical penalty

A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian Witness, but only alongside a Catholic sponsor who meets the criteria above.

A Christian Witness:

• Must be validly baptized

• Must practice his/her Christian faith

• Must not be an apostate (i.e., a baptized Catholic who subsequently left the Catholic Church).