Baptism
Baptism is an incredible gift from God. In this Sacrament we receive the grace of the forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, and we become the adopted sons and daughters of God and members of his family, the church.
A child should be baptized within the first few months after birth. We provide a baptism preparation class. You can attend that either before or after the birth of your first child. The baptismal preparation classes are held the fourth Sunday of each month (except for December) at 12:30 p.m. in McDonough Hall, Side B. No sign up is required, simply show up for the hour long class. For parents and godparents whose child will be baptized at another church, a letter of attendance will be given at the class. This class does not have to be repeated for subsequent children. For questions, please contact the parish office at 404-252-4513.
After attending a baptism preparation session, please call or e-mail Deacon Bill McCarthy to arrange the date for your child's baptism, allowing 30 days for the baptism to be scheduled.
Baptisms are celebrated each Sunday at 12:45 p.m. in the St. Mary's Chapel. Baptisms are community celebrations for the entire parish, so the communal baptism is the norm. However we understand sometimes there are special circumstances. If that is the case for you, please talk to one of the priests or deacons to arrange a private baptism.
If you're going to serve as a sponsor for baptism at another church and need a letter, please call the parish office, or e-mail any of the clergy.
Baptismal Certificates can be obtained by contacting Deacon Allen Underwood.
Emergency baptisms can be arranged for any un-baptized person who is critically ill by calling any of the Priest or Deacons at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Please remember that in an extreme emergency, church law permits that any lay person can administer the sacrament of Baptism. You pour water so that it flows on any part of the recipient's body while, at the same time, saying:
"I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The person who administers the sacrament in that situation is also responsible for notifying the parish about the baptism, giving date and place and name of minister, and we will assist you to ensure that the sacrament is properly registered.
For information on adult baptism please see the RCIA section of this website.
