Parents (with the child) sit on the center aisle of the bench. Godparents sit next to them. Additional family members (as many that will fit) may sit in the same bench.
Other family members and friends are to sit behind the reserved signs.
Please make sure cell phones are turned off.
Remember that you are in God's house, which is a place of prayer. You are encouraged to take the time to talk with God and reflect on the Sacrament that is about to take place.
When it is time to begin the celebration, parents with their child for baptism and the official Godparents, will be asked to go to the Vestibule (front entrance) of the church. Honorary Godparents remain in the bench.
Form two lines across the Vestibule.
Parents with their child are in front.
Godparents stand directly behind the parents.
Listen attentively to what the celebrant says. Answer loudly. The people in the church need to hear your responses!
During the entire service, please try not to fuss about your child. The prayers for the baptism are beautiful.
For the actual baptism, the mother normally holds the child.
One Godparent will be asked to light the child's baptismal candle.
Out of respect for the sanctity of the sacrament and the church, we ask that you please tell your guests to not move around the church to take pictures. However, they may move to take a picture of the actual baptism. Additional pictures may be taken at the end.
You are encouraged to celebrate your child's Baptism every year!