Holy Baptism is the spiritual beginning of our Christian life. Through Baptism, we are freed from original sin and embrace and proclaim ourselves as children 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 in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
St. Martha's Parish offers Baptism for all ages. If you are seeking teenager or adult baptism, then click here to learn more about RCIA, the process by which the Church baptizes adults.
For infant baptism, we require the following documentation:
The baptismal application form
A copy of the participant's birth certificate
A Catholic baptism certificate for one of the child's parents
The godparents' confirmation certificates or acceptable proof of their Catholic confirmation. In order to serve as a godparent, one must be a practicing Catholic over 16 years of age. You may select one or two godparents, but if you select two, you must select one man and one woman.
Before booking the date of the baptism, you will need to fill out the application form, send in all required documentation, and schedule a baptismal preparation meeting with Fr. William.
If you have any other questions, please email Zachary, our sacramental preparation coordinator, at sacraments@stmarthasparish.ca. You may also call him at 403-381-8991 during office hours to discuss additional details and further questions.
Families from other parishes are required to obtain written permission from their respective pastors.
We look forward to meeting with you and sharing in this blessed time of your lives!
Scheduling Baptism
After all the necessary forms and certificates have been received, the parents will attend our parish's baptismal preparation program.
Contact Zachary, the parish Sacraments Coordinator, to schedule both preparation and baptism: sacraments@stmarthasparish.ca
THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
The sacrament of Baptism has many significant rites and symbols within the celebration itself. We begin with the sign of the cross, which marks the gift of redemption that Christ brought about through his dying on the cross.
The proclamation of the Wordreveals God's truth to the assembled.
The prayer of exorcism and anointing before baptismfrees us from sin and prepares us for the Holy Spirit. Strengthening us with God's power.
Thebaptismal wateris blessed and is a sign of God's gift through the Holy Spirit, of new birth into divine life.
Our profession of faith is a renewal of our faith and a promise as a community of believers that we will develop and grow our faith and that of the person being baptized.
Next is the essential rite of Baptismwhich involves immersion or pouring of the baptismal water three times.
Anointing with the sacred chrismsignifies being anointed by the Holy Spirit and becoming a member of Christ's body, sharing in everlasting life.
The white garmentshows us that the baptized member has been "clothed in Christ".
The candle is lit from the Easter candle revealing that we have now been "enlightened by Christ". Ephphetha or Prayer over Ears and Mouthasks that we receive and proclaim the Good News.
The solemn blessingconcludes the celebration and blesses the parents that they teach and bear witness for the baptized.