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People Helping People

Baptism

Baptism is a joyful celebration! We welcome and congratulate our parents who bring their children to the waters of Baptism. You have accepted the responsibility of training your children in the Catholic faith. You are the first teachers of your children in the ways of our faith as you participate each Sunday in the Eucharist and receive the Sacraments. We encourage you to participate in the Sunday liturgy as a family. If you have been away from the Church, this is a good time to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation and return to the practice of your faith. If you have not been married in Church, this would be a time to begin that process.

Parents are asked to arrange for the Baptism of a newborn child at least one month prior to the desired date and have all necessary documents in place. Baptisms are celebrated each Sunday at 1:30pm..

It is important to know that the Church requires that after a child reaches 7 years of age, the child will need to go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children.  He or she will then receive Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the same time during the Easter Vigil Mass.

If you have a question about having your child baptized, please contact the Parish Office at 440-248-1350, ext. 100.

Baptism Preparation

Parents are required to take part in a 2-1/2 hour evening session to prepare for their child's baptism. Sessions are offered throughout the year via Zoom. To register, please contact the Parish Office at 440-248-1350.

The next Baptismal Preparation Session is scheduled for Thursday, April 27 at 7:00pm.

Sponsors

A child who is to be baptized is to be given a sponsor (Godparent) who, together with the child's parents, is to present the child at the Baptism and will help the baptized lead a Christian life. Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each sex is required by Canon Law.

A sponsor must have completed their 16th year, must be a baptized Catholic who has been confirmed, has received the Eucharist and who leads a life in harmony with the Faith and the role to be undertaken, If married, the sponsor must be married in the Catholic Church.  A sponsor may not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic Church may not be admitted as a sponsor, but may serve as a Christian witness to Baptism and then only with a Catholic Sponsor. All sponsors, including Saint Rita parishioners, are to obtain a letter of recommendation to be turned in to the Parish Office. All necessary documents must be in before the Baptism can be scheduled.

Parents of First Grade Students

Please make sure that your child is enrolled and attends the Saint Rita Parish School of Religion (PSR) or day school prpgram as they prepare for First Communion in second grade. Participation in first grade religious education is part of preparing for First Communion in second grade. If your child was not baptized in the Catholic Church and you wish your child to become Catholic and receive First Communion in second grade, please contact us to discuss the process of making a Profession of Faith and being full received into the Catholic Church.

Parish contact: Mrs. Chrissie Cola