Baptism

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Baptism
- Baptizing new Catholics is one of our favorite events at Immaculate Conception Church! For information about baptizing your child or entering the Catholic Church, please read the following carefully:
  
  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.
  
  Baptism is birth into new life in Christ, we become adopted sons and daughters of God the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the holy Spirit.
  
  All sins are forgiven, original sin and personal sins.
  
  We become Christian, sealed with an indelible spiritual mark on the soul of belonging to Christ.
  
  Children under the age of 7 can freely receive baptism without any preparation. The parents themselves prepare for the sacrament and make this decision for their children.
  
  Children 7 and older must be enrolled in catechism classes in order to receive baptism, in addition to the parents' preparation.
  
  Teens and adults enroll in RCIA in order to prepare for baptism. This usually begins in September and culminates at Easter.
- Preparing and Scheduling
  
  To have a child baptized please call the parish office at (309) 734-7533, email us at [email protected], or come to the parish during regular hours (M-F 8am-12pm, 1pm-4pm). From there, the following must be done before a day and time may be finalized for a baptism:
  
  Register with the parish if you haven't already.
  
  Fill out a baptismal form.
  
  Schedule a baptismal preparation class.
  
  Review the requirements for godparents (see section on the right) before asking potential godparents.
  
  Confirm the date and time with a priest. Baptisms are performed Saturdays after the 4:30pm Mass and Sundays after the 10am and 12noon Spanish Masses.
- Choosing godparents
  
  Godparents serve as examples of the faith for those who are baptized. They help the parents in the spiritual growth of their children. Please review these requirements before seeking candidates for godparents:
  
  One adult man and/or one adult woman are chosen by the parents to serve as godparents.
  
  Godparents must be Catholics in union with the Catholic Church, and have received Confirmation.
  
  Godparents must either be registered members of Immaculate Conception Church or have a letter of good standing sent from their home parish.
  
  Persons who are married outside of the church or cohabitating are not able to serve as godparents. They may speak with a priest to accompany them and find solutions.
  
  The Church allows those who are not Catholic to be Christian Witnesses.
  
  If your chosen godparent cannot participate on the day of the baptism, then you may elect a proxy to profess the faith on behalf of the godparent.