Baptism
Baptism Preparation
The baptism of your child is a profound gift, and a lifelong commitment! We are here to help you understand and appreciate the mystery of the Sacrament of Baptism so that you can not only raise your child in the Church, but also appreciate the gift of your own baptism.
Throughout our baptism preparation process, another couple with children in the parish will meet with you to share the theology and spirituality of immersion into Jesus Christ, as well as their own experience and wisdom in the journey of lifelong faith that you are undertaking with your child.
How do I register my child for Baptism at St. Leonard Parish?
Contact the parish office at, at 502-897-2595 or via email to inquire about and register for baptism at St. Leonard. After you have completed the initial registration steps, our Director of Faith Formation will guide you through the preparation process leading up to the Rite of Baptism, which is generally celebrated quarterly.
What Is Baptism
By its very nature, baptism is a public, communal event. It is not a private event affecting only the family, but a sacramental event bringing about the addition of a new member into the Body of Christ, the Church. For this reason, the Church of the Holy Spirit always strives to administer baptism in some public context.
Normally, this is accomplished by celebrating baptism with a group of families all bringing their children forth at the same time or, for older children and adults, at the Easter Vigil.
Two Types of Baptism
INFANT BAPTISM
Infant Baptism– Baptism affects a child’s life here on earth and the child’s eternal salvation. Therefore, it is to be carried out with the seriousness proper to its dignity:
The parents and godparents are to be properly instructed on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attached to it. This instruction is carried out by the pastor or his delegate. Parents are urged to make arrangements for baptism preparation during pregnancy.
Parents, godparents and pastors are to take care that no name foreign to Christian sensibilities is given.
At least one parent must consent to having the child baptized
There must be a founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Church.
ADULT BAPTISM
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) are programs of instruction for older children and adults who have never been baptized and wish to enter the Christian community.
Classes meet weekly throughout the year in order to prepare to receive this sacrament with baptism usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil.