Chiesa Santa Maria del Carmine - Milano

Baptism

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN’S BAPTISM

Who can receive baptism?
Every person not yet baptized.

When should I contact the St Carlo Parish if I want to baptize my child? And when will the baptism take place?
You must contact the Parish at least one month before the actual celebration of the baptism. Baptisms wil be celebrated every Sunday at 8:30 am (only 8 children baptized at any one time).

How old should my child be to be baptized?
Any child at any age is always welcomed for baptism given a commitment to raising the child according to the Catholic faith.
Children who are old enough to personally profess their faith may be asked to receive specialized instruction that is focused on the Sacrament of Baptism.

What documents should I bring?
You must bring your child’s Birth certificate and also the main sponsor’s Baptism and Confirmation Certificate.

Can we have our child baptized if we are not married, or were married outside the Church, or if I am a single-parent?
Your child is always welcome to baptism, given a commitment to raising him/her according to the Catholic faith, and we welcome your entire family to our parish community..

Who can take on the function of Godparent/Sponsor?
To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:
- be over 16 years of age;
- be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;
- not be divorced and re-married
- not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

How many godparents/sponsors must I have?
Strictly speaking, you are required to have only one, who must be Catholic. As is the current custom, most people have two main sponsors, who must be of different sexes (i.e. one godfather and one godmother). Having established the main sponsors, you can have other sponsors in you child’s baptism.

Must I attend a Baptism Preparation Program?
We, the St. Carlo Parish, believe it is our duty to offer you, as parents, the opportunity to fully understand the commitment you are undertaking for your child and yourselves through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Parents and godparents are asked to attend a seminar, on a Thursday (7:00pm) prior to the celebration of your child’s baptism.
Attendance at the baptism preparation session is also an excellent time for you to ask any questions you may have and to discuss any special circumstances surrounding your child's baptism. It is our sincerest hope that you will find the baptism preparation session meaningful and put you into a more relaxed and prayerful state of mind as the baptism day approaches.

Is there anything that I need to bring for the Baptism? Do I need to pay for anything?
Other than the child who will be baptized, no.
St. Carlo Parish will provide the "white garment" and the "baptismal candle" for the ceremony. Some parents, however, may wish to use a baptismal candle or white garment that has some sentimental value (perhaps it was used by one of the parents, or is a family heirloom that has been used for the baptisms of several children, possibly spanning generations within a family). If you would like to use your own baptismal garment and/or baptismal candle, please let the celebrant know beforehand so that he can prepare accordingly.

We kindly request you to make a donation for the St. Carlo Parish.