A Baptismal Preparation program is necessary for parents to attend prior to a child's baptism.This time of preparation allows parents to reacquaint themselves with the teachings of the Church and the necessity of Baptism for salvation. Sessions are held once a month; please contact the parish office for more information at 412-661-0187.
The Sacrament of Baptism for infants and children who have not achieved the age of reason is celebrated by appointment. Attendance is required for the mother and father of the child at a Pre-Baptismal Preparation program prior to the baptism of their child. Parents must designate a godparent who can fulfill the requirements of obtaining a sponsor verification letter from his/her pastor.
Any adult wishing to be baptized into the Catholic faith click here for more information.
Parents who would like to have a child baptized who has reached the age of reason, please contact the parish office at 412-661-0187, for more information.
A Godparent must meet the following criteria:
Godparent eligibility/sponsor certificate must be in the parish office two weeks prior to the baptism.
Please contact the parish office at 412-661-0187 for more information.
Congratulations, you have been asked to be a godparent!
You have been chosen above others to stand as a godparent because someone has valued your practice of Catholic faith. This role bears the responsibility to participate in this child’s Christian life and education. The Roman Catholic Church values the role of godparents as an opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship that will last through this life and beyond.
The Code of Canon Law, the official law of the Church, states:To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must...have completed the sixteenth year, and must be a Catholic who has been baptized, confirmed, and has received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken (Canons 872-874).
As a godparent you make a promise to God, to the parents, to the child and to the Church that you will proclaim aloud a covenant to witness gospel attitudes and values in your life and in the relationship you will develop with this child.
The role of godparent is much more than an honorary title. You have been chosen because you demonstrate a Christian moral and virtuous lifestyle. The child you walk with will learn of the victory of the cross, a hunger for the Most Holy Eucharist, seek forgiveness in Reconciliation, grow in a love for Christ and his Church, and in many other ways God’s love gives us life. In other words, you represent the rest of the Church, the communion of saints to which the newly-baptized will belong, and among whom the newly-confirmed will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
The child you are sponsoring will know that he/she is not alone in the quest to know God and will strive o do the will of God in his/her life. You say you will surround this child with care, concern, support, faith, trust, and compassion as they mature.
Here are some ways you can nurture this spiritual relationship:
¨ Celebrate the anniversary of this holy day of Baptism or Confirmation each year with a visit, a call or sending a card.
¨ As this child grows, listen to and share in the struggles and triumphs of living a Christian life.
¨ Encourage a consistent life of faith by celebrating the sacraments with this child throughout the years.
¨ Participate with this child as he/she receives other sacraments.
¨ Be a mentor, a guide, a listener, a teacher, a friend; be challenging, encouraging and forgiving.
¨ If distance or circumstances keep you from personal contact with this child, you can always “be there” through the technology our society offers today!
With a life of prayer and an active participation in the life of the Church you can fulfill the role of godparent fruitfully. Living your life of faith will be the best resource in helping this child to grow in and live a life of faith! Congratulations and God bless you!