Preparation: In order to share their faith with their children, parents need to take time to evaluate their own adult faith. The parent formation ensures that parents are aware of the meaning of baptism and the commitments they are making for Catholic parenting.
Parent formation sessions meet the first Sunday of each month including Holiday weekends from11:45am - 1:45pm. We gather in the Chapel located in the Faith Formation building. Contact Kathy Boats to register for the preparation class and the baptismal day 770-487-7672 Kboats@Holytrinityptc.com. Holy Trinity Catholic Church has the responsibility of ensuring that the parents of infants give evidence of personal active faith and the commitment of Catholic parenting.
Infant Baptism: Infants are usually baptized during the 5:30pm Liturgy on Saturday and Sunday. Baptisms are also celebrated at 3:30pm on the 1st 2nd and 3rd Sundays of each month. Should you need to make alternate arrangements it is the parents’ responsibility to ask a priest or deacon for an alternate time.
Service: The Baptismal Rite is part of a liturgical service. It is quite simple and beautiful. You and your guests should be present in the church about 20 minutes before the mass. Sit in the front rows. Let the presider know that you are present.. Photographs are wonderful souvenirs, but taking photographs can easily detract from the service. Photo’s should be taken after the Rite, or when invited to by the Priest or Deacon.
Godparents: The Godparents role is to assist parents to pass on the faith in which the child is being baptized. Therefore, parents should choose someone who will take the role seriously and who will be a good role model for the child. Sponsors represent the community and at least one must be a practicing Catholic. A Godparent must be at least sixteen years old and already confirmed. A person who is not Catholic but was baptized in another Christian church may fill the role of one of the godparents. In this case, that person is called a "Christian Witness." Godparents should also take the formation session in their parish. A letter from the pastor indicating that Godparents are Catholics in good standing is required two weeks prior to the child’s baptism. This is a standard letter or form in all parishes. Godparents from Holy Trinity must also fill out the sacramental sponsorship form in lieu of a pastor’s letter.
Parish Members: For a child to be baptized Catholic, one parent should be a registered active member of Holy Trinity Parish, regularly participate in Sunday worship here and support the parish through stewardship of time, talent and treasure. Such a commitment provides reasonable assurance that the child to be baptized will be raised in the faith. If you have recently moved into Holy Trinity and are now registering, a letter from the pastor of your previous parish stating that you were registered and practicing is requested. Those living in other parishes may have a child baptized here if their pastor gives permission and verifies that the parents are registered and active parishioners. Parents not married in the Catholic Church will be informed about (and asked to consider) the possibility of having their marriage convalidated.
Baptismal gowns and candles: You may with to have baptismal gown for you child. The church does provide a baptismal candle and gown for each child. You are welcome to bring your own as your family and cultural traditions are very important.
