Baptism

“A New Creature”

“Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte ‘a new creature,’ an adopted son of God, who has become a ‘partaker of the divine nature,’ member of Christ and co-heir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification:

• enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him and to love him through the theological virtues;
• giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
• allowing them to grow in goodness though the moral virtues. Thus the whole organism of the Christian’s supernatural life has its roots in Baptism.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1265-1266

General Requirements

For information about adult Baptism, follow this link to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The parents that are seeking Baptism for their child should be parishioners of Good Shepherd,

Classes

• Please call the Parish office to register at 850-893-1837.
• Classes are usually held once each month.
• Both parents are encouraged to attend.
• Sponsors are welcome to attend the baptism classes.

Sponsors (Godparents)

• Be a registered member of a Parish and a practiciing Catholic
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Be confirmed and leading a life in harmony with the Faith and role to be undertaken.
• Not be the father or mother of the one being baptized.