Lisa Aultman
(678) 466-1716
laultman@holytrinityptc.org
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and are made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”
In the Sacrament of Baptism, new Christians are born. In Baptism, we leave our old lives behind in those waters. We are born into new lives in Chris. We become like Christ, who died on the cross. Like Christ, we are resurrected to a wholly new and eternal life.
In Baptism, we become sons and daughters of the Father and brothers and sisters of Christ.
Baptism fully enables us to become the people God created us to be. It frees us from sin and makes union with God, or salvation, possible. We need the Church for salvation because it is the Church, through Christ, that baptizes.
Families need to be active, registered parish members and participate in a Baptism Preparation Program to prepare themselves for the responsibility of raising children in the Catholic Church. This required program is presented on the first Sunday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom (a Zoom invitation will be emailed before class). If parents are not registered members of Holy Trinity, a letter of permission is needed from the parish where you are registered.
¿Choosing godparents should be performed with much prayer, careful thought, and the most significant concern for your child.
Requirements for Godparents:
Traditionally, families chose a godfather and a godmother for their child. However, the Church only requires ONE godparent. There are two godparents; one should be male and one female.
That person must be a practicing Catholic over 16 who has been Confirmed.
If they are married, they must be married within the guidelines of the Catholic Church*.
(*A Catholic must be married in a Catholic Church by a priest or deacon or have received a dispensation from the bishop’s office to do otherwise.)Be fully initiated into the Catholic Church (have received sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).
Grandparents can be godparents. The only persons not allowed to be godparents are the parents themselves.
If you have one Catholic godparent, an actively involved baptized member of another Christian denomination can stand as a “Christian Witness.” However, it is not a recognized position in the Church. As such, the Christian Witness will not be included on the baptismal certificate or recorded in the Register.
A Catholic who does not practice their faith or who is married outside the Catholic Church cannot be either a godparent or a Christian Witness. “Godparent’ is not an honorary title to a sibling or close friend. They are supposed to be an example of faith to their godchildren, and therefore, a non-practicing Catholic cannot fulfill that office.
A sponsor certificate is required for each godparent. The godparent should request this at the Catholic Church where they are registered. If the godparent is a registered parishioner at Holy Trinity, please email Lisa Aultman for the form.
Baptisms are private and scheduled based on availability.
Please call Lisa Aultman (678) 466-1716 or email laultman@holytrinityptc.org for information and scheduling. For information on Baptism in Spanish, please visit Bautismo.
Upcoming Baptismal class dates
2025 - May 4, Jun 1, Jul 13, Aug 3, Sep 14, Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7.
Baptism of Adults
Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism Has been a standard practice, but the proclamation of the Gospel is still new. Therefore, the catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) occupies an important place. This initiation into Christian faith and life should prepare the catechumen to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
For more information, please visit our section, Becoming Catholic.