Baptism 

The Sacrament of Baptism is the "gateway to the other Sacraments and necessary for salvation by actual reception or at least by desire" (Canon 849). 

According to the law of the Church, "The celebration of Baptism must be prepared properly" and as such, parent(s) who wish their child to be baptized must be properly instructed and there must be a "founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion" (Canon 868.2).

Baptismal Preparation Class

Parents who intend to have their child baptized at Visitation are required to attend a Baptism preparation session. This class is intended to help your understanding of the sacrament and awareness of the responsibilities of Catholic parenting. It is suggested that parents attend this class during the middle trimester of the pregnancy, so that participation in this program might influence your choice of godparents. This program is an opportunity to meet and chat with other parents who are also preparing for Baptism. The atmosphere is informal; questions are encouraged. To register, please call the Rectory at 610-539-5572.

Question - Were you asked to be a God Parent for the Sacrament of Baptism?

“A person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists as an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with their baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it” (Code of Canon Law, 872).

Listed below are a few of the requirements to be a Godparent:

• I am at least sixteen (16) years of age.
• I have received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) in the Catholic Church.
• I am living and intend to live in conformity with the laws of the Catholic Church regarding marriage. For instance: If I am divorced and have remarried, my previous marriage has been annulled and I am remarried in the Catholic Church. If I am divorced and have not remarried, I am living the vocation of the single life in conformity with the Catholic Church.
• I am not cohabitating with someone outside the Sacrament of Marriage.
• I attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation and receive the sacraments of the church (Holy Eucharist and Penance) regularly.
• I understand and accept these responsibilities which I undertake and promise to pay special attention to the person to be baptized.