Sacraments

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

“Baptism, the door to life and the Kingdom, is the first Sacrament of the New Law, which Christ offered to all that they might have eternal life and which, together with the Gospel, he later entrusted to his Church, when he commanded his Apostles: “Go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Therefore Baptism is first and foremost the Sacrament of that faith by which human beings, enlightened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, responds to the Gospel of Christ.” (The Order of Baptism of Children)

“Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord’s will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1277).”

Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign, the character, which consecrates the baptized person for Christian worship. Because of the character Baptism cannot be repeated (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1280).”

Celebrating Baptism in the AMS

F.A.Q.

Information for Parents

How do I register for baptism?

You will need to fill out a baptism inquiry form above. You will be contacted with information regarding our baptism preparation program and scheduling your child’s baptism.

Are there requirements for the parents?

An infant may be baptized if at least one parent (or lawful substitute) is Catholic and consents and there is a well-founded hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In the absence of this hope the Baptism should be deferred (c. 868 §1)

Parents must participate in our baptism preparation program, regardless of having a child previously baptized.

Once parents have completed that baptism preparation program you will be able to schedule the baptism date.

Children seven years of age or older will enter the Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Children.

Do parents need to be members of the Wiesbaden Catholic Community?

You do not need to be a member of the Wiesbaden Catholic Community. But at least one parent (or lawful substitute) must be Subjects of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. 

Those who are not subjects of the AMS, even if they have regular access to military chapels, require the written permission of the civilian pastor of the parish where they reside to participate in the preparation process at the installation. Agreement of the priest at the installation must also be sought before the preparation process commences.

No special permission is needed for priest-chaplains to baptize Eastern Rite Catholics who are subjects of the AMS. The proper Rite of Ascription should be noted on the Sacramental Record (PM 2.3.3).

When are Baptisms held?

Baptism are usually held the 4th Sunday of each month during or following the 9:00 mass. Scheduling outside of this time requires the priests permission.

Can we have our own priest perform the baptism?

Yes. When you fill out the baptism inquiry please advise that is what you want to do. Please note special persmission is required for a visiting priest to conduct sacraments in the chapel.

We want to baptize our baby back home, what is needed?

When you fill out the baptism inquiry please advise that is what you want to do. The priest will prepare a letter you can submit to the parish where the baptism will take place indicating you are AMS subjects, you have permission, and you have compleated a baptism class.

F.A.Q.

Information for Godparents

Are there requirements for the godparents?

A Godparent must be a Catholic who is confirmed, has received First Eucharist and is in good standing with the Catholic Church. They must also understand the role of a godparent. If not a member of the local community, the godparent must present a sponsor letter from their parish prior to the baptism. Cannot be the father or mother of the person to be baptized.

How old can a Godparent be?

All godparents must be 16 years of age or older.

Can there be more than two godparents?

No, there can only be two official godparents. Godparents are a godmother and godfather. There cannot be two godmothers or two godfathers. Only one godparent is required.

What if a godparent is out of town and cannot make the baptism?

If godparents cannot be present for the Baptism, proxy godparents may stand in their place. The godparents must accept the responsibility of being the actual godparents. Parents may act as proxies and in unusual circumstances, a non-Catholic may be a proxy.

What if one of the Godparents is not Catholic?

A person belonging to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may only serve as a witness to the Baptism along with a Catholic godparent (c. 874, p. 5, §2).