The first of the seven sacraments, and the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the “sacraments of initiation” by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptisms At Christ the King, a child’s Baptism is a parish-wide celebration. Parents who bring their children for Baptism accept the life-long responsibility of educating their children in the ways of our faith and exercising their faith through active participation in parish life and regular Mass attendance. Baptisms are offered after the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass, after the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, or by appointment. Follow the steps below to plan your child’s Baptism at Our Lord Christ the King Church. Step 1:You must be an active parishioner at Our Lord Christ the King Church.An active parishioner: Properly registered in the Parish actively participates in Mass each week and Holy Days of Obligation – preferably as a family regularly participate in the sacramental life of the Church supports their Parish financially shares their talent within the parish community If you are not a member of Christ the King Parish, you may request a letter from your current Pastor granting permission to have your child Baptized at Our Lord Christ the King Church (3223 Linwood Ave, 45226). OR If you have been away from the Church for a while and intend to join Christ the King Parish, you must register and become an active member in order to Baptize your child. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Step 2:Prior to the Baptism, you must attend a Baptism Preparation Class – Classes are held the second Wednesday of the month via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Baptism Preparation classes (required of all first-time parents) will explain the Baptism ritual and symbols, review qualifications for godparents and suggest methods for passing on the faith to their children. This class is also an opportunity for the parish to welcome young families and to offer spiritual guidance and support. The simple, low-key sessions are also designed to introduce young families to each other, perhaps embarking on a lifetime of friendship. It is recommended that expectant parents attend prior to the birth of their child if possible. To register for the class contact the Parish Office at 321-4121 or parish@olctk.org. Once registered, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-Step 3:Complete the Registration form for your Child’s Baptism. Use this online form or contact the Parish Office and provide the information over the phone to Pam Gruesser at 513-321-4121. Once we have received your inquiry via the online form, a member of the parish staff will reach out to you to confirm details. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Step 4: Godparents must complete the “Statement of Godparent for Baptism” form. Catholic Godparents must have their statement signed by their pastor. Please mail the signed and completed form(s) to Christ the King Church, 3223 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226. Once these Godparent form(s) are recieved, the Baptism may be scheduled. Statement of Godparent for Baptism (complete this form if you are Catholic) Statement of Christian Faith (complete this form if you are Christian, but not Catholic, and will act as a Christian Witness for Baptism)
