1. How old should my child be in order to be baptized?

Any child at any age is always welcomed for baptism given a commitment to raising the child according to the Catholic faith. Although the Church recommends that a child be baptized within a few weeks after birth, factors such as the health and well-being of the mother and/or of the child, the time it takes for preparing and planning the baptismal celebration, allowing the parents and other family members time to adjust to the new arrival, and scheduling the participation of extended family and friends who may have to travel some distance, are also factors that need to be taken into accont. If there is any question about baptism for your child, especially if you are in a special situation of some sort, please contact Elyssa Bradfield at 913-895-0673 so that we may do all we can to help you.

2. How has the pandemic affected Baptisms?

Accomodations made in response to the pandemic are no longer in effect. Individuals are still welcome to wear a mask/social distance if they desire. Please talk with a representative from the Parish if you have questions or concerns.

3. Can we have our child baptized if we are not married, or were married outside the Church, or if I am a single-parent?

Your child is always welcome to baptism, given there is a commitment to raising him/her according to the Catholic faith. The Church recognizes that, for whatever the reason, people will make choices in life that lead them in many different directions. We would be most pleased to have the opportunity to discuss with you how we may be of assistance in facilitating your child's baptism and if there are other ways in which we may help bring God's love to you and your child.

4. Why must I be a registered member of a parish in order to have my child baptized here?

Within the rite of baptism, parents accept the responsibility of training their child in the practice of the faith. Although the decision of infant baptism is often thought of in terms of the child, it is simultaneously a decision for adults about their own membership and participation in the church. Whether you’ve been an active member or have been away from the church we welcome you and your family to a deeper life with God and with the community called together in God’s name. Registration at a parish indicates a commitment of your family to the parish community.

5. How many godparents may I have or must I have?

Strictly speaking, you are only required to have one Godparent, who must be Catholic. As is the current custom, most people have two, who must be of different sexes (i.e. one godfather and one godmother). The Church offers no provision for more than two. Godparents are asked to complete a Godparent Form and turn it in to the parish office.

6. Must I attend a Baptism Preparation Program?

All parents and godparents are welcome to attend our Baptism class! Those required to attend include new parents and those parents who haven’t attended a class in the past 5 years. If you have attended a class in the last 5 years and it was not at Holy Trinity, you will be asked to provide documentation from the parish at which you attended. You are free to attend the class here at Holy Trinity or at another parish.

7. When should I attend the Baptism Preparation Class?

For practical reasons, we encourage you to attend a baptism preparation session before your baby is born. Once your baby is at home, you will probably have a lot on your mind and be pretty busy caring for the newborn child. Should you decide that it is better to wait until after the baby is born, or if you are parents of an older child, you may, of course, attend any session at your convenience. You need to attend the class, though, before you schedule the actual date of the baptism.

8. When are baptisms celebrated?

Typically, Baptisms are celebrated on most Sundays after the 11:30am Mass. Occasionally, due to special circumstances, there will be a week that we will not celebrate Baptism. Please call the office to schedule the date of your child’s baptism before family members buy plane tickets.

9. Can we bring a visiting priest?

Please contact Elyssa Bradfield at 913-895-0673 if you would like to have a visiting priest celebrate the Baptism of your child.

10. How much does this cost?

There is no fee charged for preparation or celebration of this sacrament. Some individuals may want to make a gift of thanksgiving to the church or priest performing the baptism. Although there is no required or expected amount, one guideline is to consider the amount you might spend on a toy or gift.

11. Is there anything that I need to bring for the Baptism?

You need to bring your child! … and the baptismal garment! Your child will be dressed in the white garment during the actual rite of baptism. Greater detail will be given on this during the preparation process. Holy Trinity provides a baptismal candle, however you are welcome to provide your own. Some couples ask the godparents to choose and purchase a baptismal candle for the child.

12. What are the roles of godparents?

Catholic godparents serve two important functions: They represent the larger Catholic Church community. They, along with the priest and the parents, welcome the child to the community and signify that welcome by marking the child with the sign of the cross. As community, they are obliged to protect this newest member, guiding, advising, and nurturing the child as he or she progresses in the understanding of faith. They pledge to continually support the parents so that they can successfully train the child in the practice of the Catholic faith. They pledge an allegiance to the parents to bolster them in times of discouragement and to celebrate with them in times of joy. Godparents need to be actively involved in the Catholic tradition because they serve as models and guides to the child and the parents.

13. What documentation is needed from the godparents?

Godparents are asked to complete the Godparent Form and turn it to the parish office at least two weeks before the desired date of baptism.

14. Who can be a godparent?

According to the Canon Law #874, godparents must: have received the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation) be at least 16 years old (exceptions can occasionally be made) live a life in harmony with the faith (they should be registered in a parish and be attending Mass every week with regular reception of the Eucharist) fully understand what they are undertaking The Canon also lists two restrictions: There is to be only one male or one female or one of each. This means that you may have either ONE Godmother or ONE Godfather OR you may choose to have both a Godmother and a Godfather but not two of the same sex. They cannot be the father or the mother of the one being Baptized. If you have someone in mind that is a Catholic but does not meet the above requirements, they would be unable to be a Godparent for your child.

15. What is a Christian Witness?

Technicaly, a non-Catholic may not serve as a "godparent." However, a baptized non-Catholic Christian my serve as a "Christian Witness" to the baptism along with a Catholic godparent. A Christian Witness needs to complete a Christian Witness Form and turn it in to the Parish Office. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism. If any of these requirements for Catholic Godparents or Christian Witnesses present a problem, please contact Elyssa Bradfield at 913-895-0673 to discuss the matter. God bless you on your journey toward Baptism for your child!