Baptism

If you want to learn more about baptism consider viewing the series Reborn  by the Augustine Institute. This 3-part video series is available on FORMED.org, an online platform for world-class Catholic content. Please visit formed.org to register for a FREE account and view the Reborn series. View the trailer for Reborn below.

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”   
Matthew 28:18-20

We joyfully celebrate the birth of a child and the call to be reborn in baptism. Jesus himself commanded his apostles, as he ascended into heaven, to baptize all peoples, and to teach them all that he had taught. Therefore, every person is called to be baptized! However, in choosing to have your child baptized you are also choosing the responsibility to teach them all that Jesus has taught us, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons 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 and in the word’ CCC #1213.

At what age should we baptize our child?
A Child should be baptized within the “first few weeks of birth” (Can.867); however a child, before the age of reason, can be baptized at anytime. We encourage baptism anywhere between 1-6 months. Baptism of older children is allow up to the age of reason.  

Baptsim Class
Parents seeking to have their child baptized need to attend a baptism class for each child.  Ideally attendance of the class should be within two months prior to the birth of the child.  Parents must be registered members of the parish (if you are not registered parisioners and would like to be - Click here!). Classes are held every first Tuesday of the month @ 7p.m. The location of the baptism class will be rotating between the two parishes in Aberdeen. On even months, the baptism classs will take place at Sacred Heart in the parish hall. On odd months, the baptism class will take place at St. Mary's. The baptism date for the child will be scheduled at the class

Pre-registration is encouraged. You may fill out this Baptism Registration Form and bring it along to the class, or fill it out at the class itself. Please contact the parish office at 605-225-7065 to register for the class.

When is Baptism Celebrated?
Here at Sacred Heart the sacrament of baptism is ordinarily celebrated on Sundays after the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Baptisms may also be scheduled for another time after consulting with one of our priests.  

Godparents
There is to be only one male godparent or one female godparent or one of each (Can. 874).  A godparent must be at least 16 years old, Baptized, have received 1^st Holy Communion, Confirmed, and living out the Catholic faith with daily prayer, weekly Sunday Mass, regular confession, etc.  The pastor of the Godparents is required to fill out the Baptism Sponsor Form and return it to the parish office (502 2nd Ave SE Aberdeen, SD 57401) or emaied to [email protected]  Non-Catholic Christians may participate alongside the Godparents as Christian witnesses. 

There are a variety of reasons you might need your baptismal certificates, including sacramental preparation in another parish, if your child is entering a Catholic School, entering a CCD program at a Church, or if you have moved from one Catholic Church to another. Sacred Heart can make a baptism certificate for anyone who was baptized here.  On that baptism certificate, we can also state when, if, and where 1^st communion, confirmation, marriage, or holy orders took place.

If you have lost your original certificate  or need another one please contact the Sacred Heart parish office (605-225-7065) for a new certificate or simply fill out the below form.  We will need the following information.

1.  Complete name of the person who was baptized.

2.  Complete names of biological mother and father.

3.  Complete names of Christian Sponsors/witness (the godparents).

4.  Date of Birth (at least the year) and date of Baptism (at least the year).