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Baptism

- Holy Sacraments

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20

The Sacrament of Baptism
Through the sacrament of Baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people. It purifies us from original sin and is a sacrament of initiation along with Eucharist and Confirmation. Baptism demonstrates our commitment to the Christian faith and strengthens us to grow in this new life as we embark upon our faith journey.

Basic Guidelines and Information for Infant /Child Baptism
Parents are responsible for bringing their child to the Sacrament of Baptism as soon after birth as possible. Except in case of necessity, the church is the usual place of baptism.
In order that a child be baptized, it is necessary that:
- the parents (or at least one parent or someone legally standing in their place) consent, or at least one of them, or someone legally standing in their place
- there is reasonable hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith.
Baptismal Preparation and Requirements
Baptismal preparation classes are required prior to any Baptism (unless you have attended a class in the last 3 years). The John Paul II cluster offers classes every other month (January – March – May – July – September – November) on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30-8 PM in the parish offices. We request that you contact the parish office to register for a class at 319-334-7191.

It is extremely important to take your faith-life seriously because, before God, you have taken on an awesome responsibility for the salvation of another—your own child! Your commitment and openness to baptismal preparation will help develop the faith-life of your child as they mature.
We invite you to introduce yourself to the parish priest and the deacon if you do not already know them personally. Open yourself to the invitation to actively join the faith community of the cluster.
Non-members of the John Paul II Cluster seeking to have their child baptized

There are acceptable circumstances that may lead you to seek having your child baptized in the John Paul II Cluster when you reside in another parish. If that is the case, you are required to take your Baptismal Preparation in the parish in which you reside. Please submit a testimonial letter from your Parish Priest to the John Paul II cluster office prior to scheduling your child to be baptized. This requirement respects the reality that pastors normally have sacramental jurisdiction only over their own parishioners. Therefore, when one seeks a sacrament outside of one’s parish, the proper pastor’s permission is necessary. Furthermore, the invitation to connect with one’s own proper parish first is founded on the hope that the faith-life of the family and of the one(s) to be baptized will be lived in community and not in isolation.

Prior to class:
- Register as a parishioner if you have not already done so. If you are not a member of the John-Paul II cluster, you must be registered in your home parish and have obtained permission from that priest to take classes here at the John Paul II cluster.
- Begin thinking of who you would like for Godparent(s).
  - If two, they are usually a male and female.
  - Have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role
  - Be at least 16 years of age
  - Be a confirmed Roman Catholic
  - Is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including Marriage) and will be a good role model for the one being baptized
- A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness
Marital Status
Your marital status will be clarified during the baptismal preparation process. Baptism is not denied if the parents are unmarried or not married in the Roman Catholic Church. However, there may be reason to postpone Baptism if parents are not practicing the Faith or have no intention of living a Catholic life in harmony with the Gospel. If your status is not in harmony with the Roman Catholic understanding of sacramental marriage, please inquire as to how we may help you enter into proper sacramental marriage or, if need be, seek a declaration of nullity by the Church.
All of the above information applies to Baptism of an infant or young child only. If you have a child to be baptized who has reached catechetical age/the age of reason (Grade 2 or 7 years), you and they will receive different preparation.

St. John Paul II Cluster

Independence & Winthrop, Iowa

Baptism