Baptism

Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation and marks the beginning of the entire Christian life. (Baptism and Christian Initiation USCCB website)


Why Baptism? The Sacrament is celebrated by the Church at the command of Jesus, who said to the Apostles, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). The Catechism of the Catholic Church points to Holy Baptism as the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from original sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.”

Those requesting to have their child baptized at Saint Andrew must be registered members of the parish seeking to grow in the sacramental life of the church. We extend a warm welcome to celebrate and be a part of this loving Catholic family in Elk River, MN, worshiping each week at Mass, sharing in the Sacramental life God so richly provides. We are thus nourished by God's living word and fed in the Eucharist at Holy Mass, learning how in faith to respond to the love of God. New members need to meet with our pastor, Fr. Mark Innocenti. Please read this welcome letter. 


When is the Sacrament of Baptism celebrated? Baptisms are normally held the second weekend of the month after the 5:00 PM Saturday Mass and Sunday after the 10:30 AM Mass. Alternative arrangements can be made with agreement of Fr. Mark for other times when necessary.

Whom to contact for Baptism? To request and schedule Baptism for your child at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, print and complete the following Baptism information form and Sponsor/Godparent form. Return both forms to the parish office with a birth certificate copy to Saint Andrew Catholic Church 566 4th St NW Elk River, MN 55330 at least two weeks prior to desired baptism date. If you need copies of the forms or for more information about Baptism preparation, contact the parish office at 763-441-1483.

How to prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism? The church desires that all individuals and families have opportunities to understand the plan of salvation God offers to each of us in this life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, the church desires to aid parents as they prepare for their responsibilities and those godparents/sponsors in their role assisting the parents of the newly baptized to grow in a life of faith in Jesus Christ.


  • For adults, those 18 years of age and older, seeking baptism, see this page on the Order of Christian Initiation.
  • For children, follow the steps below.


Step 1 - As primary teachers, the church seeks to support you in this most important role as parent(s) with recognition that this includes other caregivers and Godparents/Sponsors to whom you entrust this co-responsibility. A foundational understanding of what a Sacrament is aids us in our witness of a lived faith, one that can be pasted on to others. Parents and Godparents/Sponsors are asked then to review and understand what a Sacrament is (Sacraments and Sacramentals and Baptism and Christian Initiation - USCCB website) Review what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about the Sacrament of Baptism. Along with this review you are asked to watch the following set of nine short videos (52 minutes total).


-------------------------

Introduction - A Baptism History (SketchPad) 

(6:39) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067805699


1) A Parent's Love Reflects God's Love 

(4:04) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067499556


2) Becoming Part of the Body of Christ 

(4:35) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067502729


3) Marriage and the Gift of Baptism

(5:32) Video: https://vimeo.com/1069581901


4) Rite of Baptism ...following the steps

(7:17) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067495941


5) What is Grace

(5:38) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067749212


6) What is Original Sin

(5:25) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067757553


7) Baptism Explained - The Symbolism in Baptism

(5:54) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067770753


8) Raising Holy Children

(6:46) Video: https://vimeo.com/1067778972

------------------------------------------

Video Content Attribution - YouTube source files for Baptism Explained

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBdBxtht3Dgcaeyd1J4sotwum8qUf7zz5

Sophia Institute for Teachers: www.youtube.com/@SophiaInstituteforTeachers


Step 2 - As primary teachers, the church also desires that you are open to trust and engage with the Catholic community of faith, guided by the Holy Spirit (as the body of Christ), supporting you in loving service along the journey of faith with your child/children. It is helpful then to have opportunities to discus and review ones understanding of what the Sacrament of Baptism is, where in scripture is it based, how to fully participate in the Rite of Baptism, and how to assist in the formation of life of Faith for your child after baptism. To accomplish this, you are offered a 1-hour in-person meeting with Randy Bayerl, Pastoral Assistant (randyb@saint-andrew.net) if you have not yet participated in these steps in the past year or two.


Step 3 - Provide the following to the church office no later than two weeks prior to the baptism:

a) a copy of the child's birth certificate
b) the completed Baptism Information form
c) completed copies of the Godparent/Sponsor form(s) - note that at least one person must be a confirmed Catholic in good standing as outlined on the form  helping insure they are able to fully take on this important role. (For example: Godparent(s) are to be at least 16 years of age, have the proper aptitude and intention to assume this role. Godparent(s) must have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), and if married, are in a valid Catholic marriage, and also known to be active members in a Catholic parish.) The other person, if not Catholic but from another Christian faith, may act as a witness. The standard is to have at least one Catholic in good standing. If two are selected chose one man and one women chosen with the at least one following the "good standing" criterion. The forms also ask that if the Catholic person(s) are not from Saint Andrew Catholic Church, in completing the forms they have their local Catholic priest complete the bottom portion of the form and return to the parish office.


For questions as to this invitation, please contact the Parish Office (763) 441-1483 Monday - Friday. Know that Fr. Mark would like to meet you and your family. Stop and talk to him after any Mass or call the parish office and make an appointment (763) 441-1483.