Celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation at St. Clement Parish
The welcoming of new members into the community is a joyous celebration for the whole community. For that reason, the parish staff and worship commission wish to promote the preferred tradition of celebrating baptism within the regular Sunday liturgy. For families who are not able to do that for various reasons, they may to choose to celebrate baptism outside of our community celebration.
Baptism can be within any regular weekend liturgy on the fourth weekend of the month (except during Lent) OR baptisms can be on the second Sunday of the month after the 10:30 am mass.
Baptisms can be by infusion OR immersion.
Godparents: Only one godparent is required. If there are 2 godparents, one must be male and one must be female. Both can be practicing Catholics or one can be a Christian Witness who practices another Christian faith. (Please read Choosing Godparents.)
If baptism is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday outside of mass, you may select readings.
To schedule a baptism call the Parish Office at 641-3176. Be ready to state your preferences:
- If you choose outside mass indicate your chosen readings (OR that the celebrant may choose the readings).
- State if you prefer immersion over infusion.
- State if you will be bringing the baptismal garment and putting it on after the baptism.
- State if you wish to bring your own beeswax personalized candle.
As the Church has grown and evolved throughout history, the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation has changed in our tradition. Circumstances, theological development and reflection have influenced the sacrament from the appropriate age to the theology of the sacrament. In the Acts of the Apostles one sees that the laying on of hands and praying that Spirit of God come upon a person was a common practice. It has remained a part our tradition ever since.
Confirmation has always been considered one of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism and Eucharist being the other two. One is not considered fully initiated until all three sacraments have been celebrated in a person’s life.
Confirmation, being a sacrament of initiation, is the beginning of a fuller life and understanding of our tradition. It is not the conclusion of learning or participation in the Christian life. That understanding and participation continues throughout life.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Colleen Gerke at cgerke@stclementcincinnati.org or the parish office.
“Confirmation is that sacrament which confirms the action of God in Baptism and strengthens individuals to become like Christ in the Eucharistic community. Canon Law describes the sacrament of Confirmation as the one by which the baptized person continues the path of Christian initiation.” (Sacraments for Young People, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, 2005, page 34).
Currently St. Clement Parish celebrates the sacrament every other year. We follow Archdiocesan guidelines, which presently states the normal age for Confirmation is between the ages of twelve and sixteen. Prior to the reception of the sacrament, candidates are to be properly prepared through catechesis allowing them to make an informed decision about celebrating the sacrament.
In both the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, the Church calls the candidates by name. In Baptism, parents are encouraged to give the child a name of a saint so that the child will always have a special relationship with a person believed to be in the eternal presence of God. For that reason, the candidates are encouraged to use the name given to them at Baptism as their Confirmation name as well. If the Baptismal name is offensive to our tradition, a saint’s name will need to be chosen.
Sponsors for Confirmation must meet the follow qualifications according to Canon Law:
- Must be at least sixteen years of age
- Must be Catholic and fully initiated (been Baptized, received Eucharist and Confirmed).
- Cannot be bound by any canonical restrictions (divorced and remarried without having obtained an annulment).
- Cannot be the mother or father of the candidate.
Confirmation, being a sacrament of initiation, is the beginning of a fuller life and understanding of our tradition. It is not the conclusion of learning or participation in the Christian life. That understanding and participation continues throughout life.