Get started by reading up on the two sets of guidelines below:
1. Archdiocesan Guidelines
2. St. Luke's Guidelines
“From the earliest times, the Church, to which the mission of preaching the Gospel and of baptizing was entrusted, has baptized not only adults but children as well. Our Lord said, ‘Unless a man is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ The Church has always understood these words to mean that children should not be deprived of baptism, because they are baptized in the faith of the Church, a faith proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents, who represent both the local Church and the whole society of saints and believers: ‘The whole Church is the mother of all and the mother of each.’” (Rite of Baptism of Children, no. 2)
The birth or adoption of a child is a sacred time to celebrate both earthly life and God’s promise of eternal life to those who are born of water and the Holy Spirit. Just as the living God grants us earthly life, God also calls the Church to celebrate with the family of a newborn or newly adopted child the new life that God offers in the Sacrament of Baptism.
In order to assist parents and parishes in making the Baptism of Children a time to celebrate faith and rejoice in the gift of new live, the Archdiocese of New Orleans has adopted the following as particular law in the archdiocese regarding the Sacrament of Baptism.
Regarding Parents who Present Children for Baptism
Regarding Proposed Godparents
Other Concerns
The Sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole of Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1213) It is hoped that the above guidelines will enhave the joy of the celebration of the baptism of a child, bestowing God’s grace upon the child baptized as well as enriching the lives of parents, godparents, and all others who gather to celebrate the gift of new life offered in baptism.
(Taken from "Particular Law on the Sacrament of Baptism," Archdiocese of New Orleans, January 2013.)
For Parents
For Godparents
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