Congratulations!  When a new child joins a family, it is a happy, busy time and perhaps a bit overwhelming.  We’re sure you prepared carefully for the birth of your child as you attended pre-birth classes, rearranged your home to accommodate a crib and all the things babies need, and stocked up on parenting books and parenting advice. 

One of the important decisions you will make together for your child is to present her or him for baptism.  In doing so, you are affirming your own faith and accepting the responsibility of passing on the faith to your child.  This is a graced time for your family, and one that may cause you to take another look at our Catholic faith, your participation in it, and the home environment where your child’s faith will be nurtured.

The parish and the diocese ask you to take some time together with other parents and fellow parishioners to gather to reflect on the enormous privilege and responsibility of bringing your child into the Christian community.  In turn, the community pledges its support, prayers and assistance to you.  Let these gatherings be the first sign of that caring. 

Because we know how busy you will be with a newborn in your family, we strongly suggest that you come to a gathering prior to the birth of your child.  We hope that both parents will attend, so that you can share this experience and feel welcome and comfortable when you celebrate the sacrament.  We especially encourage non-Catholic parents to join us with their Catholic spouses.  (We promise we won’t pressure you to become Catholic, but we do want to make sure your questions are answered and you are able to enter fully into the celebration of your child’s baptism.)

We ask you to plan ahead and consider which best fit your schedule and your plans for the celebration of baptism. Our pre-baptism gatherings will be offered on the following dates:

Please contact Charlene Foughner at foughner@msn.com  to register for the pre-baptism gatherings and to receive some preliminary information in the mail. 

The community of Immaculate Conception shares your joy and looks forward to celebrating the baptism of your child with you!