Frequently Asked Questions

 
What happens when we are baptized?  

We are born again into the family of God.  John 3, Romans 6

Why are babies baptized? Aren't they too young to accept Jesus? 

Your parents made the decision to bring you into the human family, they can also make the decision to bring you into God's family the second time.
As the Jewish boys were circumcised on the eighth day to bring them into a covenant relationship with Yahweh, Christian infants are brought into a covenant relationship with Jesus by Baptism.

Who can be a godparent and what is expected of a godparent? 

Godparents are confirmed, practicing Catholics.  They are expected to be there with them through the journey of life as a support of their Christian faith.

Does Baptism last a lifetime?
Yes, you can only be born again once.

How soon after birth should a baby be baptized?

As soon as possible.

Is a saint's name required for Baptism?

It is a great idea to have a saint as a role model.  It is not required at Baptism, it will be required at Confirmation.

FAQs on other Sacraments

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Sacraments/Baptism.asp

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation?

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Who can be a Confirmation sponsor and what is expected?

A confirmed practicing Catholic.  They are expected to walk on the journey of faith with the Confirmed.  They are to pray for and encourage the person on their journey.

What's the difference between Confession and Reconciliation?

Confession, Penance and Reconciliation are the same sacrament. 

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?

The Bible says in James 5:16, to confess your sins to one another.  Jesus said (to the apostles, the first priests) in John 20:23, "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven, and whose sins you retain are retained".

Is Confession based on the Bible?

Yes.

Is Confession by e-mail allowed?

No.

I don't feel comfortable going to Confession -- what should I do?

You need to talk to your priest about it.

If I have no mortal or venial sins to confess, should I still go?

"All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God"

   Romans 3:23