BAPTISM THE SACRAMENT: The sacrament of Baptism is the entrance into the life of Jesus Christ, a freedom from original sin, and the gateway to the other sacraments; Baptism  is the one sacrament that all Christian denominations share in common.  By Baptism one becomes part of the Church, is joined to the body of Christ, and becomes an adoped child of God.  Jesus himself says: "Unless you are baptized by water and the Spirit, you shall not enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5), and his final instruction to his disciples is: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Mt 28:19).  

BAPTISM PREPARATION: For many centuries it has been the custom to baptize infants in the first few months after birth.  The same is true for children up to the age of 7.  There is a one-time preparation session that is held for parents which can be scheduled by contacting Mrs. Sweeney through the parish office at 978-632-0253. Parents are welcome to do their preparation before the baby is born is that makes it easier but there is no requirement to do so. 

GODPARENTS: Godparents should be chosen by parents primarily to be good religious examples to their child and not just because they want to bestow a family/social honor. Godparents are asked to assist parents in teaching the child about their Catholic faith and are required to provide an example of the Christian life. As representatives of the Christian community, Godparents give witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ, in word and example.
While it is traditional to choose two Godparents (one male and one female), at least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic (which means that he/she must have been baptized, received their Confirmation and First Communion and must be actively practicing their Catholic religion). Parents may choose one Godparent (Christian Witness) that is of another CHRISTIAN religion is baptized and whom they determine will be a good example of Christian living for their child. 

MARRIAGE THE SACRAMENT: The Church states about Marriage: "The intimate community of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws. . . . God himself is the author of marriage ... Marriage is not a purely human institution despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures, and spiritual attitudes."  In the marital union, the couple act as ministers before God and join themselves in a sacramental union by the power of God.  They become a sign and symbol of the love and fidelity of God for his people, a love which is faithful, is based on true love, and does not abandon the other.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION: The Marriage preparation process involves a few meetings with the ministers of preparation to help the couple understand the sacrament, to deepen their understanding of one another, and to be sure that they are ready for such a commitment.  In addition to these meetings, attendance at a retreat or other marriage preparation activity in ordinarily required.  We aim to make the process as easy and fruitful as possible.  Please contact the parish office as soon as possible to discuss your marriage.
 

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