“I Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Why Is Baptism Important?
The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptismos, which has two meanings. One meaning is to immerse in water. The other is the process that occurs when a hot iron is dipped into cold water: once the iron sets, it is totally and permanently changed.
Christians believe that baptism brings about a total and permanent change because when people are baptized, they are completely set free from sin and they become Christians, followers of Christ.
The Catholic sacrament of baptism is the initiation into the Catholic Church as well as to Christianity and is a necessary first step to receiving the other sacraments that form the foundation of Christian life.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY — As the first teachers in the child’s life, parents must teach the children the ways of the Catholic Church by example. This can be accomplished by attending Sunday Mass, family prayer, and accompanying the children to parish activities.
The Baptism Ceremony
Catholic baptism is performed by a priest or a deacon, although under extreme, urgent, danger-of-death circumstances, anyone can baptize.
Symbols of the Ceremony
CATECHUMENATE OIL — A sacred oil used to anoint the chest of the child so that he/she is initiated into Christian life.
WATER — Water is poured onto the head of the one to be baptized as the words of baptism are said: “I baptize you, (name), in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The water is also called living water because it symbolizes a passage from the death of sin to new life as a follower of Christ.
CHRISM — A sacred oil used to anoint the head of the child so that “you may remain forever a member of Christ, who is Priest, Prophet, and King.” This chrism symbolizes being chosen, strengthened, and unified with Christ. The name Christ means “anointed one.”
WHITE GARMENT — The “outward sign” of your Christian dignity, it symbolizes being pure, clean, and new — “clothed in Christ.” Parents need to provide the white garment.
CANDLE — Lit from the Easter candle and given to a family member with the words: “Receive the light of Christ,” as a symbol of the passage from the darkness of sin to the “light” of Jesus, the “light of the world.” Parents need to provide the candle; however, the church does have candles in stock
for a small fee.
COMMUNITY — The community response is a vital part of the ceremony. During the baptism, the parents, godparents, and other assembled Catholics show the firmness of their belief by renouncing sin and renewing their faith promises. They join in accepting this child as their own and promise to help bring up the child as a Catholic.
GODPARENTS — Godparents, or sponsors, must be practicing Catholics and at least sixteen years old. They must have received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Two godparents of opposite gender are recommended; one godparent may be acceptable. Godparents represent the community as they share the Catholic faith with the child.
CONCLUSION — The parents are blessed as the first teachers of the child, and God is asked to also bless every person in attendance.
To Schedule a Baptism
Baptisms at Our Lady of Fatima are celebrated after the last Sunday Mass at 11:45 AM. We encourage families to contact the parish office as early as possible — even before the child is born.
To begin the process:
- Contact the parish office to schedule a preparation meeting
- Complete and submit the Baptism Application (available below in English and Portuguese)
- Attend the required Baptism Preparation Meeting with parents and godparents
- Gather all required documentation before the baptism date
Required Documentation
The following documents must be submitted to the parish office before the baptism can be scheduled:
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Authorization from the Pastor if family is from another parish
- Copy of the Registration Envelope if from our parish
- Sponsor Certificate (if godparent is a member of another parish)
- Confirmation Certificate for Godparents (if not confirmed at OLF)
- Proof of attendance at the Baptism Preparation Meeting (parents and godparents)
Godparent Requirements
The role of godparent is a serious and sacred responsibility. The Church asks that godparents be chosen with faith — not only based on family or social relationships — as they are called to assist parents in the Catholic upbringing of the child.
To serve as a godparent, a person must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be a confirmed, practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
- Be designated by the parents or the one to be baptized
- Lead a life in harmony with the Catholic faith
A non-Catholic Christian may not serve as a godparent but may participate as a witness to the baptism alongside a Catholic sponsor.
A baptized Catholic who has formally joined another Church or religion may not serve as a godparent.
Godparents from another parish must provide a Sponsor’s Certificate from their home parish.
Baptism Preparation Meeting
The Archdiocese of Hartford requires that all families participate in a Baptism Preparation Meeting prior to the sacrament. Both parents and godparents are expected to attend. This meeting is an opportunity to prepare your hearts and learn more about the beautiful commitment you are making for your child.
Please contact the parish office to schedule your preparation meeting.
Download the Baptism Application
Please download, complete, and return the Baptism Application to the parish office. The application is available in English and Portuguese.
📌 Prefer to fill out the form online? Complete our Baptism Application digitally using the link below and your responses will be sent directly to our parish team.
[ Complete the Online Baptism Application ]