Sacrament
Baptism
We are so honored that you are presenting your child here at Sacred Heart for this most important Sacrament of Initiation into our faith. In this Sacrament (whether as a baby, child or adult) you are making the profound oath that you accept all that our God has to offer you. And what is that? Unconditional love, unconditional mercy, an abundance of grace, a community of believers who will support you on your journey, and an heir to the Kingdom of God. Are you going to receive these free gifts anywhere else in our world?
The parents of a new born are really the ones who are taking on the serious responsibility of bringing up their child according to the law of Jesus Christ: the law of love. The parents are "swearing an oath" to Almighty God in God's house that they are committed in their own faith so deeply they will pass on the faith to the little one. This is not a lighthearted commitment; this is not something that we do in our Church because it's the traditional thing to do. No! We celebrate baptism because we want to give the child the best gifts we can. Gifts that will never every pass away. With the support of Godparents and family and friends, all guarantee their presence in the child's life to be a witness to God's love.
Four symbols are used: water, oil a candle and a garment. Water refreshes, cleans us, renews us, refreshes. We dip our hands into the water font and make the sign of the Cross when we enter the Church as a reminder it is through Baptism that we come into this glorious life of faith. Oil is a sign of protection and courage for the baby, placed on the heart of the child and on his/her head as an heir to the Kingdom. A candle is presented as a sign of the Light of Christ burns in them in a very special, committed way. They are given a white garment that they are now a new creation.
An absolutely incredible sacrament and a beginning of a life of faith. For an adult, the ritual is the same. Once the adult has completed the R.C.I.A. sessions, they then make their own statements of faith with the support of a Godparent.
The parents of a new born are really the ones who are taking on the serious responsibility of bringing up their child according to the law of Jesus Christ: the law of love. The parents are "swearing an oath" to Almighty God in God's house that they are committed in their own faith so deeply they will pass on the faith to the little one. This is not a lighthearted commitment; this is not something that we do in our Church because it's the traditional thing to do. No! We celebrate baptism because we want to give the child the best gifts we can. Gifts that will never every pass away. With the support of Godparents and family and friends, all guarantee their presence in the child's life to be a witness to God's love.
Four symbols are used: water, oil a candle and a garment. Water refreshes, cleans us, renews us, refreshes. We dip our hands into the water font and make the sign of the Cross when we enter the Church as a reminder it is through Baptism that we come into this glorious life of faith. Oil is a sign of protection and courage for the baby, placed on the heart of the child and on his/her head as an heir to the Kingdom. A candle is presented as a sign of the Light of Christ burns in them in a very special, committed way. They are given a white garment that they are now a new creation.
An absolutely incredible sacrament and a beginning of a life of faith. For an adult, the ritual is the same. Once the adult has completed the R.C.I.A. sessions, they then make their own statements of faith with the support of a Godparent.
Information for Parents and GodparentsWe are so excited to welcome you and your new little one into the faith. Call the Parish Office, or email to set up an appointment with Fr. Bob to meet to discuss even deeper the importance of this sacrament and the responsibilities of all involved. Godparents are more than welcome to join in this discussion. If they can't, materials will be given to them to review. You can have as many Godparents as you wish, and one needs to be a baptized, practicing Catholic. If from another parish, a letter acknowledging your Godparent is an active member of their Church is needed. It is so easy to give your baby this incredible gift: one phone call, one appointment, set a date and celebrate!
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When do we celebrate Baptism?Often, we may have baptisms during one of the weekend Masses in order for the entire community to welcome you and the new life. Or a family baptism can be scheduled after one of the weekend Masses.
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Contact UsParish Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 am-12:30 pm [email protected] Mailing Address: 3910 SE 11th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97202 Phone: (503) 231-9636 Fax: (503) 231-1766 |