The mission of the Baptism Ministry is to make the sacrament of Baptism as meaningful as possible. For information about preparation for a Baptism, please call the parish center at 295-0387. Children who have reached school age and adults are also welcome to prepare for Baptism. We can provide all the relevant information to those interested.

The Baptism Preparation Class
Before a baby is baptized, parents are required to attend one baptism class, usually held at 4:30 on the Sunday prior to the baptism. There the minister reviews the meaning and significance of baptism, and encourages questions. Parents who have already attended such a class, either here or elsewhere, are not required to attend. If only one parent can attend, the second parent is asked to meet with the presider prior to the class. This responsibility may be delegated to one of the Ministers. The time commitment for the class is approximately an hour and a half. Training is provided by the coordinator.

Baptism Ministry
Infant baptisms occur once a month at St Bernard, on the first Sunday of the month (except during Lent). The baptism ministers take turns being present at the baptism, where five or six babies are baptized. The ministers assist the presider and the parents, showing parents where sit and explaininig the use of the candle and towel. Ministers call parents and babies to where the Presider is standing, using the microphone. Sometimes the Ministers do the readings. Thorough training is provided to each new minister. Several times a year the baptisms are scheduled to take place during the 11:30 litiurgy, and the role of the Minister is slightly different at that time. The total time commitment is about an hour and forty five minutes.

How you can help: Those who would like to help with preparation for Baptism are needed, and welcome.

For more information, contact:
Maureen Corcoran
Phone: (401) 294-1189
E-mail: mocork@verizon.net