BAPTISM:
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
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Following the example of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church baptizes every new member. Christians receive the Sacrament of Baptism only once.Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in his life in Jesus Christ and makes us his children. Through Baptism, God establishes a new and everlasting relationship. The baptized becomes an adopted son or daughter of God and member of God’s Church. It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from sin. Baptism also washes away all traces of sin and strengthens the individual to live a good and moral life.
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Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people. Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation. The child is baptized in the faith of their parents, godparents and of the Church.
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The Church calls its new members (or their parents and godparents on their behalf) to respond with faith and to lead a life that reflects their faith. Giving thanks to God, a Christian participates in the life of the Church and seeks to deepen his/her relationship with God every day.
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INFANT BAPTISMS:
If you would like to learn more, or to have your child baptized, please contact the parish office at 823-7077.
ADULT BAPTISMS:
Any person over the age of seven who is interested in being baptized Catholic or becoming Catholic is invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). To learn more, visit our website page under RCIA/Faith Formation or contact Pastoral Associate/RCIA Director
Dawn M. Iacono at diacono@stmartinbuffalo.com
PRE-BAPTISMAL CLASS:
Parents are required to attend a Pre-Baptismal Class before arranging the baptism of their child. It is recommended that they attend as early as possible, preferably during the period of pregnancy. Classes are offered as needed through Zoom or in person. Please call Leader Couple Mary & Marty Kennedy at 716-825-6327 or call the parish office at 716-823-7077 to register.
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Baptisms are celebrated by appointment after the weekend masses. Please contact the Parish Office to set up an appointment after you have completed the Pre-Babtism Class
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ADULT CONFIRMATION:
Are you in need of the sacrament of Confirmation? Are you an adult who wasn't confirmed as a teen? You are not alone. We can help. Contact Dawn Iacono at diacono@stmartinbuffalo.com to learn how to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as an adult.
In order that a child be baptized, it is necessary that the parents consent, or at least one of them, or someone legally standing in their place, and that there is reasonable hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith.
GODPARENTS:
A person may have one or two godparents (also called sponsors); if two are chosen, they must be male and female.
In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must:
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be chosen by the parents, have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role
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be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist
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receive a letter from their home parish stating their are active in their Faith
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if married, be in a Sacramental marriage blessed by a priest or deacon
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will be a good role model for the one being baptized
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be neither the father nor the mother of the child
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A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness.
