Baptism

“The soul is regenerated in the sacred waters of baptism

and thus becomes God's child.”

St. Maximilian Kolbe

The first of the sacraments of initiation, the Sacrament of Baptism allows a person to enter the journey to eternal life, washes away Original Sin, claims us as a child of God, and makes us a member of the Church. 

Infant Baptism 

The Church encourages all parents to have their children baptized.  

The Sacrament of Baptism is typically celebrated on the second weekend of the month. Parents and God-parents are expected to attend Mass prior to Baptism.  Prior to a child receiving their Baptism, parents/godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class within the Diocese of Lake Charles. Saint Margaret offers a class on the first Monday of the month 5:30 pm at the Pastoral Office. Call the office 337-439-4585 to register for the class. Click the link below to access the Baptism packet. All requirements are listed on the cover page of the packet.

GODPARENTS

Godparents play a very important role in the life of the baptized. They assist the parents in the role of bringing up children in the practice of the Catholic faith. The requirements for Godparents are set out in the Code of Canon Law (can. 873-974):

  • At least one godparent is required; if there are two, one must be male and the other female;

  • Must be at least sixteen-years-old;

  • Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation; (If married) must have a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church;

  • Must live in a way that one's faith is strong enough to be able to fulfill the responsibilities involved;

  • Must not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

This process is for adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.  Persons who are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian faith, or baptized Catholic who have not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or First Communion, gather each week, along with their sponsors, as they journey in faith towards full reception into the Catholic Church at Easter.  Contact the parish office for more information.