Congratulations!
New parents:
The St. Eugene Church Parish community extends its warmest congratulations on the birth of your child!
Those new to the Catholic faith:
On behalf of the Catholic Church, our parish community congratulates you on your newfound faith and commitment to following Jesus Christ. You are most welcome to our faith-filled community and we eagerly anticipate your full communion with the Church.
For children younger than the age of reason (younger than 7 years old):
The Sacrament of Baptism is scheduled:
The 4th Sunday of each month at 1:00 pm.
*Schedule might change on holidays
Parents are asked to contact the St. Eugene Church Parish Office to register: (401) 568-5102.
Those over the age of reason who seek Baptism:
Are asked to register for R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) or R.C.I.C. (Rite of Christian Initiation or Children) Classes. R.C.I.A. is for adults. R.C.I.C. is for children and youth under the age of 18.
The Sacrament of Baptism for those who successfully complete the R.C.I.A. or R.C.I.C. program is celebrated during the Easter Vigil Mass.
Requirements:
For children younger than the age of reason (7 years old)
Baptism Preparation Class
We require all parents and godparents to attend Baptism Preparation Classes unless they have previously done so. Once you have contacted the St. Eugene Church Parish Office to register and schedule the baptism of your child, one of our parish volunteers will contact you to set up a special appointment for Baptism Preparation Classes. These classes are usually are conducted by a couple who are well prepared to teach and assist in Baptismal Preparation.
Godparents
Parents are asked to review the Catholic Church’s requirements for a godparent before inviting an individual to undertake this role.
Requirements:
- The individual has received all of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, the Eucharist (First Holy Communion), and Confirmation
- The individual is at least 16 years old
- The individual lives a life of faith, consistent with the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. This includes the commitment to attending Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, receiving Holy Communion once a year, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a year when necessary, having a daily prayer life, contributing to the Church’s needs, being obedient to all of the Catholic Church’s Laws and teachings as guided by the Magisterium of the Church
- If the individual is married, he/she must be married according to the laws of the Catholic Church. If single, they must not be living with a significant-other or living a marital-type relationship with a significant other.
- The individual must be able to fulfill the role of godparent-namely, he or she must be able to ensure that the child is raised to know, understand, and practice the Catholic faith and live a life of Catholic faith.
The Church does understand that due to family and other close relationships, parents wish to honor such individuals and often regard the naming of godparents as an opportunity to do so. However, it is important to understand the true meaning and role of a godparent.
A godparent is a witness to the truths of the Catholic Faith, an inspiration, a strong example of what it means to live a life of Catholic Faith in the world today for the child. This means that the simple reception of the Sacraments at one time during one’s life is not enough. Any candidate considered to undertake the role of godparent must be committed to living a life of Catholic Faith, which includes: fulfilling all of the requirements stated above; living the Catholic Faith in the heart as well as exteriorly through one’s actions; and the commitment to following Jesus Christ each day as a lifestyle choice.
While it is true that we might have many relatives and friends who have had a great positive impact on our lives-even with respect to faith, this does not automatically mean they are appropriate candidates for the role of godparent. Often such individuals are so close and mean so much to us but unfortunately do not fulfill the requirements of the Church’s Law for this role. This has led to a great deal of tension, pain, and embarrassment for the parents, those with whom they have close relationships and might otherwise consider as good godparent candidates, the child to be baptized, and the Church. So parents are asked and encouraged to review and, if they have questions or concerns to look further into, what the Church’s Laws require of a godparent before moving forward with their choice of the individual they invite to take on this responsibility.
Only one godparent is required. There may be two, but they must be one man and one woman. A non-Catholic Christian may also serve as a “Christian Witness” as long as there is a godparent who fulfills the requirements of the Catholic Church.
“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized – child or adult – on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255)