Welcome to Santa Rosa Catholic Church!


The Parish Community of Santa Rosa is very pleased that you wish to have your child baptized in the faith of the Catholic Church. I am sure you will agree it is important to prepare for this important event in the life of your child. We welcome you into our community; we are committed to making your baptism a memorable event. Baptism initiates your child into our Church community and we are glad that you made the decision to baptize here. It is our hope that the following guidelines and resources will assist you in planning for such an important event, making it more meaningful. These procedures will answer your many questions, therefore read them carefully. Additional information will be given during the Baptismal Class. We are looking forward to the celebration of your child’s baptism. Our doors and arms are wide open to receive a new member in God’s family. Joyfully in Christ, Fr. Emil Robu Pastor
BAPTISMAL GUIDELINES GENERAL INFORMATION Infant baptism refers to children under the age of seven. Parents with older children should contact our office of Faith Formation. Adults looking to be baptized should contact our office in regards to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Parents, there must be a founded hope that the child to be baptized will be raised in our faith. That hope is made visible through your Mass attendance and your constant practice of your faith. At least one parent should be Catholic and consent to baptism. Parents must be registered and active in our parish, participating in our liturgies, for at least six months prior to the celebration of baptism. Exceptions from registration are made only when parents have an indirect relationship with our church (grandparents are parishioners, parents married here, military service, etc.). Please note that it is a very good practice to baptize your baby as soon as possible. Do not postpone the baptism for a later date, depriving the child of the baptismal grace. PARENTS Infant baptism is possible because of the faith of the adult community in general, and of the parents in particular. Children cannot profess faith by themselves; they are baptized in the faith of the Church and this faith is proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents who represent both the local church and the whole community of saints and believers. For this reason we believe that parents must practice their faith and be active in our parish, as previously specified. Parents play a vital role in the faith education of their children. Each Christian family is considered to be the “first church.” As such, you have to give your children the best example by professing your faith, teaching, and encouraging your child to do the same. Your faith, morals, and values will be handed on to your child as you do with other family traditions. As a parent, it is your sacred duty to raise your child in our faith, by praying together, participating in the Eucharist (attending Mass) and involving your child in our faith formation programs. Growing in faith is a lifetime commitment. Baptism is not an end; it is the beginning of our faith journey. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION (1) Prior to attending a baptismal orientation class all parents must contact the parish office to meet with our pastor, Fr. Emil Robu. With his help you will complete a Baptismal Registration Form. (2) You don’t have to provide a Birth Certificate copy for the child, if you are providing accurate information. (3) After meeting with Fr. Emil, parents and godparents must attend a baptismal class. You may attend this class here or in a different parish. In the latter case, you have to provide us with proof of attendance (certificate) at least one month prior to the date of baptism. At the end of our baptismal class parents and godparents receive a certificate of attendance. You do not need to attend a class if you can prove that you attended one in the past two years. (4) You must present the testimonials completed and signed by each godparent. (5) Permission Letter – only for parents registered in another parish. Besides the certificate of baptismal class, parents residing in a different parish must present a letter from the local pastor, in which it is specified that you are registered in that specific parish and the pastor gives his consent for baptizing your child at Santa Rosa Church. We must have all documents in your file at least two weeks prior to the date of baptism. Failure to provide these documents will automatically cancel the celebration of baptism. GODPARENTS Godparenting is an ancient ministry of the Church. Being a godparent is a Church office. In adult initiation, the godparent literally and figuratively stands by the one who is baptized. Nonetheless the godparent’s ministry takes place especially after baptism by helping the newly baptized to persevere in the faith and in his/her life as a Christian. In infant baptism the role of the godparents is much the same: helping lead the child to profess the faith and to show this faith by living it. This ministry of support and witness is really the ministry of the entire Church, epitomized in this personal representative. Godparents (one godfather and one godmother) must be practicing Catholics. They must be adults and fully initiated Catholics (they must be at least 16 years old, confirmed and received the Holy Eucharist). At the moment of baptism a godparent becomes a spiritual parent, a model of faith for the baptized. A godparent helps the parents in raising the newly baptized in the Catholic faith. At least one godparent is needed; you cannot have two godfathers or two godmothers. If, for cultural reasons, you prefer having more than two godparents, please note that only two will be written in the baptismal record as godparents, while everyone else will participate in the liturgy as witnesses. Godparents must attend a baptismal instruction session, just like parents do, and present a certificate of attendance. A letter from your local pastor stating that you had been a godparent before is not sufficient. Godparents must be present for the baptismal celebration. If, for a good reason, one godparent cannot be present, another person may stand as a proxy, with the approval of that specific godparent. Please note that only one proxy is allowed and you must inform the priest about this situation. Non-Catholics or people of different religions cannot be godparents simply because they cannot fulfill their obligation as spiritual parents in the ways of our Catholic faith and tradition. Along with a Catholic godparent, a non-Catholic can be a witness; this will be specified in the Baptismal Registration Form, in the Church Records, and the Baptismal Certificate. Please note that parents cannot be godparents for their child or children. BAPTISMAL ORIENTATION CLASS The baptismal class will increase your understanding of your duties, and will improve your historical and liturgical knowledge of this sacrament. Parents and godparents must meet with Fr. Emil and register prior to attending the baptismal class. This pre-baptismal session is very important and it will answer your many questions about the ceremony. You will become familiar with the liturgy of baptism, its rich history, and theology. For practical purposes we invite parents to come without their child/children. This class instruction may take one hour and a half to two hours. If you attend this class elsewhere, the certificate of attendance must be mailed to us before establishing a date for baptism. Please mail the certificate to our parish as soon as possible. No date of baptism can be scheduled until parents and godparents attend this session or present certificates of attending this class elsewhere. SCHEDULING A BAPTISM In order to schedule a baptism you must call the office to make an appointment with Fr. Emil who will guide you through this simple process. Baptism in the Catholic Church is a rite of initiation and adoption into the body of Christ, into the priesthood of all believers. Thus, each baptism is a public service. At Santa Rosa we celebrate baptisms on the second Sunday of the month, after 9:00 AM Mass. Thus, the time for baptismal celebration is 10:00 AM. Please note that there are no baptisms during Lent or during the Holy Week. Also, four (4) is the maximum number of children to be baptized in one celebration. For good reasons, we may consider different dates and times if the church is available. At times we celebrate this sacrament during Mass. When this occurs, make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass. The child, parents, and godparents are invited to process into Mass with the priest and the other ministers. The date and time of the Baptismal ceremony cannot be scheduled until parents and godparents attend a baptismal class and all paperwork is provided. THE BAPTISM As previously mentioned, our regular baptismal schedule is on the second Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM. On the day of baptism punctuality is a must, since there are some introductory rites which must be fulfilled prior to baptism. Late comers must reschedule the event. The baptism is an informal service, with everyone gathered around the font, which is near the main doors of Santa Rosa Church. We ask the parents and Godparents to stand together. During the baptismal class you will be given an order of service and will be given guidance as to what to say and when. One of the symbols used in Baptism is a lighted candle, representing the new light of Christ that has come to the newly baptized. The church provides a candle, but it is possible for you to bring your own if you wish, or to buy a more attractive one from any religious store. We hope that you will keep the candle and light it on the anniversary of the Baptism, as a reminder of the ceremony. CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY We understand that you may like to have some photos or a video taken of the occasion. The use of flash is not permitted during a service, but you may take as many posed or spontaneous photos as you like afterwards. Photographers and videographers may not enter into the close proximity of the baptismal fountain anytime during the ceremony. No exceptions will be made. We ask the photographers to dress appropriately for such an occasion. FEES Often we are asked what the fee is for baptism. As a sacrament of commitment to God and membership in the church, there is no fee for baptism at Santa Rosa. We do encourage all members to make responsible Christian Stewardship (which includes support for the church during the regular Sunday collections) a regular part of their baptismal commitment and life. If you wish, however, to make a donation, you may do so at your discretion, preferably after the service, not before. POSTPONEMENTS & CANCELLATIONS If you need to change the date or the time of Baptism, please notify us as soon as possible. We will be happy to accommodate you as best we can. CERTIFICATES You will receive a baptismal certificate within a week after baptism. This certificate is an official Church record. In order to avoid errors, it is your duty to provide accurate information when completing the Baptismal Registration Form. No abbreviations or nicknames are allowed. In order to provide an accurate certificate we need you to complete that form at least two weeks prior to the date of baptism. AFTER BAPTISM - FROM NOW ONWARDS Please feel free to bring your child to Mass regularly. We really do want to welcome the babies and toddlers, even though we don’t have a “crying room.” We don’t mind if it is necessary to take your child out occasionally either. We have noticed that young children and school age children behave better when they are right up front and can see! So be brave and try it out! Right from the beginning, be sure to say night prayers with your child. Soon, even before babies can talk, they will want to imitate you making the sign of the cross. And after they begin to talk, they will join in with you a little at a time. For Christmas or a birthday, get a child’s Bible with pictures. This can help your child to learn more about our loving God! It is so important to help our little ones to develop a relationship with Jesus. When your child is 4½ or 5, we invite you to have your child begin attending Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00 AM Mass on Sundays. Please be sure to attend with your child the first few times, until your child is comfortable on his/her own. Beginning with Kindergarten, and every year through high school, we offer religious education classes or activities for him/her. Please call and speak to the Director of Religious Education about the programs Santa Rosa Church offers for school age children. Our congregation of Santa Rosa is a very welcoming group of people, and we hope that you will join us on a regular basis. After all, Baptism isn't just a ceremony for one day, but the beginning of a relationship. We would like to stay in touch. Please be assured of the prayers of our parish. We are the family into which your child will be baptized - the family of God. Our love and prayers as you prepare for this happy occasion.

The Parish Community of Santa Rosa is very pleased that you wish to have your child baptized in the faith of the Catholic Church. I am sure you will agree it is important to prepare for this important event in the life of your child. We welcome you into our community; we are committed to making your baptism a memorable event. Baptism initiates your child into our Church community and we are glad that you made the decision to baptize here.
It is our hope that the following guidelines and resources will assist you in planning for such an important event, making it more meaningful. These procedures will answer your many questions, therefore read them carefully. Additional information will be given during the Baptismal Class.

We are looking forward to the celebration of your child’s baptism. Our doors and arms are wide open to receive a new member in God’s family.

Joyfully in Christ,
Fr. Emil Robu
Pastor

BAPTISMAL GUIDELINES

GENERAL INFORMATION
Infant baptism refers to children under the age of seven. Parents with older children should contact our office of Faith Formation. Adults looking to be baptized should contact our office in regards to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Parents, there must be a founded hope that the child to be baptized will be raised in our faith. That hope is made visible through your Mass attendance and your constant practice of your faith.

At least one parent should be Catholic and consent to baptism. Parents must be registered and active in our parish, participating in our liturgies, for at least six months prior to the celebration of baptism. Exceptions from registration are made only when parents have an indirect relationship with our church (grandparents are parishioners, parents married here, military service, etc.). Please note that it is a very good practice to baptize your baby as soon as possible. Do not postpone the baptism for a later date, depriving the child of the baptismal grace.

PARENTS
Infant baptism is possible because of the faith of the adult community in general, and of the parents in particular. Children cannot profess faith by themselves; they are baptized in the faith of the Church and this faith is proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents who represent both the local church and the whole community of saints and believers. For this reason we believe that parents must practice their faith and be active in our parish, as previously specified.

Parents play a vital role in the faith education of their children. Each Christian family is considered to be the “first church.” As such, you have to give your children the best example by professing your faith, teaching, and encouraging your child to do the same.
Your faith, morals, and values will be handed on to your child as you do with other family traditions. As a parent, it is your sacred duty to raise your child in our faith, by praying together, participating in the Eucharist (attending Mass) and involving your child in our faith formation programs. Growing in faith is a lifetime commitment. Baptism is not an end; it is the beginning of our faith journey.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
(1) Prior to attending a baptismal orientation class all parents must contact the parish office to meet with our pastor, Fr. Emil Robu. With his help you will complete a Baptismal Registration Form.

(2) You don’t have to provide a Birth Certificate copy for the child, if you are providing accurate information.

(3) After meeting with Fr. Emil, parents and godparents must attend a baptismal class. You may attend this class here or in a different parish. In the latter case, you have to provide us with proof of attendance (certificate) at least one month prior to the date of baptism. At the end of our baptismal class parents and godparents receive a certificate of attendance.
You do not need to attend a class if you can prove that you attended one in the past two years.

(4) You must present the testimonials completed and signed by each godparent.

(5) Permission Letter – only for parents registered in another parish. Besides the certificate of baptismal class, parents residing in a different parish must present a letter from the local pastor, in which it is specified that you are registered in that specific parish and the pastor gives his consent for baptizing your child at Santa Rosa Church.

We must have all documents in your file at least two weeks prior to the date of baptism. Failure to provide these documents will automatically cancel the celebration of baptism.

GODPARENTS
Godparenting is an ancient ministry of the Church. Being a godparent is a Church office. In adult initiation, the godparent literally and figuratively stands by the one who is baptized. Nonetheless the godparent’s ministry takes place especially after baptism by helping the newly baptized to persevere in the faith and in his/her life as a Christian.
In infant baptism the role of the godparents is much the same: helping lead the child to profess the faith and to show this faith by living it. This ministry of support and witness is really the ministry of the entire Church, epitomized in this personal representative.

Godparents (one godfather and one godmother) must be practicing Catholics. They must be adults and fully initiated Catholics (they must be at least 16 years old, confirmed and received the Holy Eucharist).

At the moment of baptism a godparent becomes a spiritual parent, a model of faith for the baptized. A godparent helps the parents in raising the newly baptized in the Catholic faith. At least one godparent is needed; you cannot have two godfathers or two godmothers. If, for cultural reasons, you prefer having more than two godparents, please note that only two will be written in the baptismal record as godparents, while everyone else will participate in the liturgy as witnesses.

Godparents must attend a baptismal instruction session, just like parents do, and present a certificate of attendance. A letter from your local pastor stating that you had been a godparent before is not sufficient.

Godparents must be present for the baptismal celebration. If, for a good reason, one godparent cannot be present, another person may stand as a proxy, with the approval of that specific godparent. Please note that only one proxy is allowed and you must inform the priest about this situation.

Non-Catholics or people of different religions cannot be godparents simply because they cannot fulfill their obligation as spiritual parents in the ways of our Catholic faith and tradition. Along with a Catholic godparent, a non-Catholic can be a witness; this will be specified in the Baptismal Registration Form, in the Church Records, and the Baptismal Certificate.
Please note that parents cannot be godparents for their child or children.

BAPTISMAL ORIENTATION CLASS
The baptismal class will increase your understanding of your duties, and will improve your historical and liturgical knowledge of this sacrament.

Parents and godparents must meet with Fr. Emil and register prior to attending the baptismal class. This pre-baptismal session is very important and it will answer your many questions about the ceremony. You will become familiar with the liturgy of baptism, its rich history, and theology. For practical purposes we invite parents to come without their child/children. This class instruction may take one hour and a half to two hours.

If you attend this class elsewhere, the certificate of attendance must be mailed to us before establishing a date for baptism. Please mail the certificate to our parish as soon as possible. No date of baptism can be scheduled until parents and godparents attend this session or present certificates of attending this class elsewhere.

SCHEDULING A BAPTISM
In order to schedule a baptism you must call the office to make an appointment with Fr. Emil who will guide you through this simple process.
Baptism in the Catholic Church is a rite of initiation and adoption into the body of Christ, into the priesthood of all believers. Thus, each baptism is a public service. At Santa Rosa we celebrate baptisms on the second Sunday of the month, after 9:00 AM Mass. Thus, the time for baptismal celebration is 10:00 AM.
Please note that there are no baptisms during Lent or during the Holy Week. Also, four (4) is the maximum number of children to be baptized in one celebration. For good reasons, we may consider different dates and times if the church is available.

At times we celebrate this sacrament during Mass. When this occurs, make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass. The child, parents, and godparents are invited to process into Mass with the priest and the other ministers. The date and time of the Baptismal ceremony cannot be scheduled until parents and godparents attend a baptismal class and all paperwork is provided.

THE BAPTISM
As previously mentioned, our regular baptismal schedule is on the second Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM. On the day of baptism punctuality is a must, since there are some introductory rites which must be fulfilled prior to baptism. Late comers must reschedule the event.

The baptism is an informal service, with everyone gathered around the font, which is near the main doors of Santa Rosa Church. We ask the parents and Godparents to stand together. During the baptismal class you will be given an order of service and will be given guidance as to what to say and when.

One of the symbols used in Baptism is a lighted candle, representing the new light of Christ that has come to the newly baptized. The church provides a candle, but it is possible for you to bring your own if you wish, or to buy a more attractive one from any religious store. We hope that you will keep the candle and light it on the anniversary of the Baptism, as a reminder of the ceremony.

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY
We understand that you may like to have some photos or a video taken of the occasion. The use of flash is not permitted during a service, but you may take as many posed or spontaneous photos as you like afterwards. Photographers and videographers may not enter into the close proximity of the baptismal fountain anytime during the ceremony. No exceptions will be made. We ask the photographers to dress appropriately for such an occasion.

FEES
Often we are asked what the fee is for baptism. As a sacrament of commitment to God and membership in the church, there is no fee for baptism at Santa Rosa. We do encourage all members to make responsible Christian Stewardship (which includes support for the church during the regular Sunday collections) a regular part of their baptismal commitment and life.
If you wish, however, to make a donation, you may do so at your discretion, preferably after the service, not before.

POSTPONEMENTS & CANCELLATIONS
If you need to change the date or the time of Baptism, please notify us as soon as possible. We will be happy to accommodate you as best we can.

CERTIFICATES
You will receive a baptismal certificate within a week after baptism. This certificate is an official Church record. In order to avoid errors, it is your duty to provide accurate information when completing the Baptismal Registration Form. No abbreviations or nicknames are allowed. In order to provide an accurate certificate we need you to complete that form at least two weeks prior to the date of baptism.

AFTER BAPTISM - FROM NOW ONWARDS
Please feel free to bring your child to Mass regularly. We really do want to welcome the babies and toddlers, even though we don’t have a “crying room.” We don’t mind if it is necessary to take your child out occasionally either. We have noticed that young children and school age children behave better when they are right up front and can see! So be brave and try it out!

Right from the beginning, be sure to say night prayers with your child. Soon, even before babies can talk, they will want to imitate you making the sign of the cross. And after they begin to talk, they will join in with you a little at a time.

For Christmas or a birthday, get a child’s Bible with pictures. This can help your child to learn more about our loving God! It is so important to help our little ones to develop a relationship with Jesus.

When your child is 4½ or 5, we invite you to have your child begin attending Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00 AM Mass on Sundays. Please be sure to attend with your child the first few times, until your child is comfortable on his/her own.

Beginning with Kindergarten, and every year through high school, we offer religious education classes or activities for him/her. Please call and speak to the Director of Religious Education about the programs Santa Rosa Church offers for school age children.

Our congregation of Santa Rosa is a very welcoming group of people, and we hope that you will join us on a regular basis. After all, Baptism isn't just a ceremony for one day, but the beginning of a relationship. We would like to stay in touch. Please be assured of the prayers of our parish. We are the family into which your child will be baptized - the family of God.

Our love and prayers as you prepare for this happy occasion.