Baptism

As parents, it is exciting to help our children begin to discover what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and in the process we come to know and understand God’s love and caring in deeper ways ourselves. Deciding to baptize your child means that you are willing to take on the responsibility to raise your child in the Catholic faith. You are committed to nurturing that faith by your practice and good example. It is the beginning of your child’s journey of faith, which will last a lifetime.

Scheduling & Registration for Baptism at St. Hubert

Please call or drop by the Parish Office 847-885-7700 during business hours to register your baby for Baptism, or complete the Baptism Registration Form.

Baptisms are celebrated on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 1:30 PM in the Church. They may also be celebrated within Mass, by arrangement. There are no Baptisms during Lent.

Baptism Preparation Meeting for Parents

As parents, you are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Meeting before your child’s Baptism. These are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. Godparents are not required to attend, but are always welcome. This is a time to get a deeper sense of the meaning of the sacrament and to become familiar with the baptismal ceremony. You are welcome to attend this meeting even before your baby is born, if you wish.

Choosing Godparents

When deciding on godparents, you should consider Christian relatives or friends who:

• Would be a good Christian role model for your child
• Who give witness to God in their everyday lives
• Who are willing to maintain a long-term relationship with your child
• A proxy for the ceremony may be chosen if a godparent cannot attend.

What are the Requirements of Canon Law for Godparents?

• One godparent, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex.
• At least one godparent must be a Catholic who has received all three sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, be at least 16 years of age, and most importantly must live ‘a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken’.
• If you feel your special circumstances require additional godparents, you can name additional Christian witnesses, but only 2 godparents will be listed on the Baptism Certificate.

Older Children & Adults

Older children and adults may receive the sacrament of Baptism at the Easter Vigil after a period of faith formation and discernment. At St. Hubert, this would be done through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) or CMI (Children’s Ministry of Initiation) programs.

The video about Baptism below has been prepared by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to assist in a better understanding of both the theology and rite of Baptism.

Additional Resources

Catechism of the Catholic Church