We the members of the baptism ministry of Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, understanding the importance of baptism as the key sacrament  on initiation and aware that the parents of the children baptized here are often new to our parish, believe our mission is:

• to welcome the newly baptized babies into our communities

• to prepare and encourage their parents to raise these children in the faith

• and to participate in the rite of baptism

       by

• making baptism garments ("bibs") symbolizing the newness of life in baptism

• sharing our experiences as Christian parents at the baptism preparation classes

• assisting priests and families at baptism ceremonies when requested

• presenting the families of the newly baptized with handmade rosaries and devotional items

• and praying for the baptized children and their families

The Baptism Ministry and You!

All parishioners are welcome to participate in this important stewardship of service and welcome. All of us join in the spiritual work of praying for the newly baptized, and in addition, members perform any of the following three important services. Please consider which ministry would be right for you.

Baptism Bib Team

Do you like to do handicrafts? If so, come put your talents to a happy task and make simple lace no-sew baby bibs to welcome our parish babies to baptism. These simple garments, given to the children as a symbol that they have "put on the risen Christ", can be make in less than twenty minutes each and only equipment required is an iron and a pair of scissors.

A call for volunteers goes out once a year and our parish typically uses about one hundred bibs in that time. Fabric and instructions are provided and you can make as many or as few as you'd like. An ideal project for shut-ins and busy people alike, this is a simple way to welcome our newest Christians.

Baptism Preparation Team

Do you try to raise your children in the life of the Church? Do you sometimes pray yourself through the joys and frustrations of Christian parenthood? Have you been surprised by the grace and blessings of sacraments in your family life?

If you and your spouse can answer "Yes!" and would like to meet new parents whose babies are just beginning their faith journey, we invite you to share your experiences by participating in our parish baptism preparation program. Using the helpful guidelines provided by this ministry, you will have the opportunity as a couple to welcome the  parents of these soon-to-be-baptized children and lead them in a discussion of how the Church can help them in the struggles we have all experienced.

And while this is an important ministry, it needn't be a time-consuming one. After the initial organizational meeting, you will be asked to commit for only two or three sessions per year, for an hour in the early afternoon on the first Sunday of the month.

Baptism Welcome Team

Are you moved by the love of God when you witness the baptism of a child? Do you want top pass on our Catholic faith and culture to parents and children who are entering a new phase of their lives? If so, please consider joining this group of parishioners, members of the Rosary Society, who attend the parish baptisms on the second Sunday of each month to welcome the babies distribute rosaries and devotional readings, and assist with the setting up the details of the baptism rite. A schedule can be provided so you will not have to attend every baptism. Share this most important day in the life of a new baby!

Still to come...

Members of our teams are asking if there are additional services we can perform to continue our welcome ministry in the early years after baptism. Is there something else you'd like to do to enhance this ministry? Tell us!

Let's Hear from You!

If you are interested in any of these baptism ministries, or if you would like more information, please call Karen Valencia, chairperson, at 201 - 261 - 5029, or Father Dennis, moderator, at 201 - 261 - 6080. God Bless You!