The Liturgy Course: Baptisms in Times of Emergency

Many Catholics go to Confession as part of their preparation for Christmas. A lot of people who shop, bake, mail, and party throughout December know there is a deeper reason for all this activity.

The Catholic Church encourages all members to confess sins, but many senior citizens find themselves in a bind.

After we confess our sins, it is customary for the priest to recommend an Act of Penance or some "satisfaction" for the offenses.

The Catholic Church treasures the Sacrament of Penance. Many parishes offer a communal celebration of penance, especially during Advent or Lent.

Whenever Catholics celebrate Baptism at Mass, all the faithful renew their Baptismal promises.

After you were baptized, your name was inscribed in the Baptism register of the Catholic parish where the event took place.

At the start of a Baptism, parents hear two questions. The first is, "What name do you give your child?" (Order of Baptism for Children, 37).

Everyone baptized into the Church receives a godparent. Godparents assist the baptized "to lead a Christian life in harmony with Baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it" (Code of Canon Law, 872).

Baptism in the Catholic Church may be administered by immersion or pouring. The two options are always listed in that order, indicating a preference for Baptism by immersion, even though pouring is more commonly practiced.