Infant Baptism

Welcome to St. Raphael's Baptism Program. Making the decision to baptize your child and what this decision signifies is the first and most important consideration.

"What do you ask of God's Church for these children?"

The first question of the baptism liturgy is addressed to the parents and reflects the fact that infant baptism is a decision of the parents. This decision arises out of serious reflection about your commitment to the Christian life. Why? Because baptism is not an isolated event--it is an expression of your faith and a commitment on your part to raise your child in a Christian family and a Christian community. The focus is as much on you as it is on the child.The baptism of your child is also an event of the Church. As the above question indicates, you are requesting baptism from "God's Church." "Church" in this sense refers not just to priests or bishops, but to the entire Christian community, manifested locally in the parish. Through communal celebrations of infant baptism, St. Raphael Parish expresses its joy in welcoming a new member as well as its commitment to provide support and a community of faith for you and your child as you undertake a mission of living as a Christian Family.

Frequently Asked Questions about infant Baptism

Who may be baptized at St. Raphael's?
The child of any member of the parish who has been registered for more than three months may be baptized. If not currently a member, you may register in the parish Rectory at 1592 Kimblewick Road, Rockville MD during office hours (9am-5pm) or at the Welcome Table in the church vestibule following regularly scheduled weekend Masses.

Who should be contacted about having my child baptized?
Teri Dwyer at 301-762-2143, x121

How should I prepare for my child's baptism?
The best way to prepare for the sacrament of Baptism is through prayer, reflection, and study. To assist parents, the parish requires attendance at one preparation session prior to the Baptism.

Who should attend these preparation sessions?
Both parents should attend. Godparents are welcome to attend as well. It is more conducive to parent participation if children are not present during the preparation session.

What happens at these sessions?
The preparation program is facilitated by Teri Dwyer. The sessions will focus on the tradition of Baptism in the Church's history, on the place of Baptism in your faith life, and on Christian parenting. The program will provide you with information, with an opportunity for discussion and with a chance to meet and share faith with other couples who are preparing for Baptism. Logistics of Baptism at St. Raphael are reviewed.

Should I wait until our baby is born to begin preparation for Baptism?
It is highly recommended that parents attend a preparation session during pregnancy. At the same time that you prepare for the birth of your child, it is important to begin preparing for the child's formation in the Christian life.

When do the sessions take place?
The preparation programs are usually offered on the fourth Thursday evening of each month, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm in the Religious Education building.

When can we have our baby baptized?
Non-Eucharistic Baptism liturgies at St. Raphael are usually held at 3:00 pm on the second Sunday of each month. Several infants are baptized during each celebration. Any exceptions to these celebrations must be arranged through Teri Dwyer.

Do we have to sign up for the preparation sessions and the liturgy?
Yes. Call Teri Dwyer to register for the program you wish to attend. After discussing the calendar for Baptism liturgies, decide which date is best for you, keeping in mind when friends and relatives can attend. The preparation will precede your chosen Baptism date.

What are the rules for choosing Godparents?
Each child must have a Catholic Godparent who has received the three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) and is actively practicing their faith. There is usually a second Godparent who is Catholic; however, should you choose a practicing member of a Christian denomination other than Catholic, s/he is considered a sponsor.

Since a Godparent is meant to be a spiritual guide and support in the Christian faith, those who are not Christian do not actually fulfill the role. Although they may be wonderful and spiritual individuals, persons of faith communities which do not recognize Jesus Christ as God and profess a belief in a Trinitarian God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are unable to function as Godparents.

If either or both of the Godparents are unable to attend the Baptism, a proxy may be named to stand in during the ceremony. The same stipulations apply for proxies as for Godparents.

Printable form: Information for recording Baptism http://www.straphaels.org/sacraments/baptism/form_2002E.htm

Printable form: Información para archivo de Bautiso http://www.straphaels.org/sacraments/baptism/form_2002S.htm

Those wishing to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession or Penance) may do so at regularly scheduled times (see Schedule below), or by making an appointment with one of the priests. There are also seasonal reconciliation services that are announced in the bulletin. See the Calendar or Home>Coming Up section of our website to see if there is one scheduled in the near future.

For guidelines on going to Confession, please refer to Confession.

Before Confession or at the end of the day, you may want to refer to alternative ways of Examination of Conscience.

Links: Resources for Catholic Educators: http://www.silk.net/RelEd/reconciliation.htm

Schedule (or by appointment with a priest):

Tuesday 7:00 - 7:30 pm in church
Saturday 3:45 - 4:30 pm in church
Sundays (Spanish) 12:00 - 12:50 pm in the Rectory

Youth

Preparation for Confirmation

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Raphael Parish is available to all youth of the parish. Typically, students are enrolled for preparation as they enter 7th grade and complete all requirements over a two-year period.Students in high school are prepared through a special program of study, service and retreats, and should contact Mary Jo Barnes, the Director of Religious Education.

Once entered into the program, students will proceed on one of two tracks:

For non-Catholic Schools youth, the preparation is two years. During those two years, in addition to classes at St. Raphael's, students are expected to complete twenty hours of parish and community service each (see guidelines below), as well as attend two retreats.

For Catholic School students desiring Confirmation, the preparation is two years. During those two years, in addition to their school's religious education curriculum, students are expected to complete twenty hours of parish and community service each, as well as attend two retreats. The community service may be satisfied at the child's Catholic school. However, all twenty hours of parish service must be in support of St Raphael Parish (which includes St Elizabeth School).

Parish service-- 20 hours
Parish service is directly related to serving the needs of St Raphael Parish. Examples of parish service are: various ministries at the Sunday 6pm Youth Mass or other Masses, including St Elizabeth School or other Catholic school functions (lector, usher, choir, etc.), working in the Sunday morning nursery during the 10 and 11:30am Mass, assisting with Children's Religious Education program, setting up/cleaning up and/or running games at our Parish Picnic in September, and a variety of clerical activities offered through the Center of Religious Education. A total of twenty hours of parish service is required for Confirmation.

Community Service
Community service serves the needs of the local or global community. Examples of community service are: holiday meals for the needy, multiple functions at Raphael House, fundraising activities, etc. Opportunities to meet this 20-hour requirement are available through our Christian Community Service Program as well as community organizations.

Accountability
Youth are responsible for completing all service requirements one month before Confirmation. Documentation for service hours is to be maintained by students and/or parents and be given to St Raphael's Director of Religious Education after 40 hours of service have been documented.

Children in the eighth grade study and prepare to receive Confirmation. They must be in at least their second year of either attendance at a Catholic school, or participation in a religious education program, and their families must be registered in the parish and attending Mass regularly. A baptism certificate must be provided to the parish, unless the child was baptized here, and parents must participate in the preparation as well.
Confirmation for those older than 8th grade is handled on a case-by-case basis, depending upon age and experience.

Contact: Mary Jo Barnes, 301-762-2143 x124

Schedule of Youth Confirmation

5 May 2008, 7:30pm

7 May 2008, 3:00pm

Please verify the dates & find out any special instructions from the Office of Religious Education, Mary Jo Barnes, x 124

Adult Initiation

Adults wishing to find out more about the Catholic Church, with an interest in becoming Catholic and/or to receive any sacraments should call the parish office for information. There are on-going discussion groups for this purpose which meet throughout the year (See Joining > the Catholic Church)

Contact: Mike Barnes, 240.864.2543

Formation for First Eucharist

Children

in second grade study and prepare to receive their first communion. They must be in their second year of either attendance at a Catholic school, or participation in a religious education program, and their families must be registered in the parish and attending Mass regularly. A baptism certificate must be provided to the parish, unless the child was baptized here, and parents must participate in the preparation as well.

See also First Eucharist under Religious Education

Contact: Mary Jo Barnes 301-762-2143 x124

Baptized adults

Baptized adults who would like to be received into full communion in the Church, please contact Michael Barnes 301-762-2143 x143

For Baptized Catholics, see also Welcome Home

First Eucharist schedule

Children: 3 May 2008, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm
Please see special instructions from the Office of Religious Education, Mary Jo Barnes, 301.762.2143 x124

Adults: Easter Vigil (22 March 2008) Please contact Mike Barnes 240.864.2543

Sick or Homebound

The parish Ministry to the Sick and Homebound ensures that, if requested, a Eucharistic Minister takes the Eucharist when s/hevisit the homebound or sick in nursing homes, retirement living facilities, or at home. A visit by a priest can be arranged through Sr. Jane or by calling the rectory. Note: hospitals have their own Catholic chaplain and ministers who serve the sick in the hospital.

The team offers some assistance at funeral receptions when requested. The Ministry plans & carries out our parish's yearly celebration of life--including a memorial Mass for the those who have died within the year (parishoners and relatives of parishoners) followed by a reception.

Eucharistic Ministers who are interested in serving, homebound or sick persons who would like to receive the Eucharist, please contact one of the priests at 301.762.2143

Couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church must contact the parish a minimum of six months prior to the desired wedding date. They must either be registered members of this parish, or registered in another parish from which they must have a letter of permission from that pastor. They must also be attending Mass on a regular basis. Couples will participate in a marriage preparation program, which will be explained to them during their first meeting with a priest.

Wedding coordinators or florists need to be familiar with Catholic wedding procedures. See the contacts below and/or get a copy of the Wedding Guidelines.

Marriage Preparation

To marry in the parish church usually includes:

• contacting the parish at least six months in advance
• obtaining a recent copy of baptismal certificates
• going through a marriage preparation course, and
• going through an interview with a priest or deacon.

Note that the Marriage Preparation course is offered at different parishes throughout the Archdiocese. For schedules, please contact the Archdiocese of Washington's Office of Family Life and Evangelization at 301-853-4546 for English or 301-853-4551 for Spanish, or visit their website http://www.adw.org/family/marriage.asp

Marriage Encounter (www.wwme.org)

Contact a priest at 301-762-2143 at least six months in advanced of the planned wedding.

Spanish-speaking couples may wish to contact Padre Carlos Benitez 301-762-2173 x139.

The one priesthood of Christ

"The redemptive sacrifice of Christ is unique, accomplished once for all; yet it is made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church. The same is true of the one priesthood of Christ; it is made present through the ministerial priesthood without diminishing hte uniqueness of Christ's priesthood: 'Only Christ is the true priest, the others being only his ministers." [CCC #1545]

Two participations in the one priesthood of Christ

"Christ, high priest and unique mediator, has made of the Church 'a kingdom, priests for his God and Father.' The whole community of believers is, as such, priestly. The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ's mission as priest, prophet, and king. Through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation the faithful are 'consecrated to be ... a holy priesthood." [CCC #1546]

"...While the common priesthood of the faithful is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace--a life of faith, hope, and charity, a life according to the Spirit--, the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood. It is directed at the unfolding of the baptismal grace of all Christians. The ministerial priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church." [CCC #1547]
Ministerial Priesthood

"The ordained ministry is at the service of all the baptized. The ordained priesthood guarantees that it really is Christ who acts in the sacraments through the Holy Spirit for the Church. The saving mission entrusted by the Father to his incarnate Son was committed to the apostles and through them to their successors: they receive the Spirit of Jesus to act in his name and in his person. The ordained minister is the sacramental bond that ties the liturgical action to what the apostles said and did and, through them, to the words and actions of Christ, the source and foundation of the sacraments." [Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1119]

"Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees, episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.

Ordination of Deacons

"'At a lower level of the hierarchy are to be found deacons, who receive the imposition of hands "not unto the priesthood, but unto the ministry."' [CCC #1569]

"Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity." [CCC #1570]

If you feel called to the priesthood: Please contact a priest. Our pastor or priests would be happy to talk with you.

For a Self Test of Vocational Interest to help determine if you may have a vocation to the religious life or priesthood, click on the link to the Archdiocese of Washington: http://www.adw.org/clergy/selftest.html

Ministry to the Sick

The priests of the parish want very much to make sure that parishioners who are hospitalized or homebound receive pastoral care. We depend on the families and neighbors of parishioners to notify the rectory office so we can bring you the sacraments. If you would like to receive Holy Communion, a visit from a priest or deacon, or are going into the hospital, please call the rectory at 301-762-2143.