The Baptism of infants may be scheduled on an individual basis according to the family's wishes and the availability of a priest or deacon
Who can be baptized at Our Lady of the Magnificat? Catholic families that reside in Ocean Beach or its surrounding communities may arrange a baptism directly with the summer parish. Visitors who wish to have their child baptized at Magnificat must receive permission to do so from their home parish.
What is required for Baptism at Our Lady of the Magnificat?
In order to baptize a child, at least one parent must be a Catholic and there must be a reasonable hope that the child will be raised and catechized in the faith.
Please contact the Rectory in order to arrange and schedule a baptism.
Since Our Lady of the Magnificat is a summer mission rather than a parish, parents will need to complete a baptism class in their home parish on the mainland. Documentation of that class may be sent to Our Lady of the Magnificat along with written permission form the home parish.
Godparents (sponsors)
The role of Godparentis an important one for the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. The Church sees the sponsor as a fully-initiated Catholic who supports the one receiving the sacrament with example and instruction. Because of the seriousness of this ministry, the Church has the following requirements:
The sponsor must be a fully-initiated member of the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The sponsor must be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
In this case, the Catholic who is younger than 16 must be fully initiated.
The sponsor must have an active life of faith in the Church and provide good example.
Someone married outside the Church is not able to receive Communion and is not able to be a sponsor.
Also, a Catholic who has left the Church is not able to be a sponsor of a new member into the Church.
Therefore, a Catholic who has left the Catholic Church cannot be a sponsor, and cannot be a "Christian witness" if they join another Christian communion.
The sponsor cannot be either parent.
When there are two sponsors, they are “spiritual parents” and are to be a godfather and godmother.
Christian Witness – (A baptized non-Catholic Christian) Provided there is one Catholic sponsor, a baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness. This person is a Christian witness and not a sponsor.
Requirements to be a Christian Witness:
at least sixteen years old
a validly baptized Christian
living an upright life
cannot be either parent
cannot be a Catholic who has left the Church
A Christian witness may never be a non-baptized person. For example, Jewish or Muslim godparents are not permitted by universal church law.
The notation "Christian witness" is placed under the name of the non-Catholic Christian witness in the baptismal register.
Facilities Please keep in mind that the facilities at Our Lady of the Magnificat are limited. The Church is not air conditioned or centrally heated. While there are no public bathroom facilities at the Church, there are public restrooms one block north at the Ocean Beach Community Center. There are also facilities at the end of Denhoff Walk near the lifeguard station.
Flowers The altar in the Church is decorated with artificial flowers. If you wish to have other floral arrangements, please make those arrangements with the florist of your choice.
Photography Photography and video recording are permitted during the baptism, although photographers may not enter the sanctuary. You are responsible for making any such arrangements. Subject to the schedule of other weddings or events the Church may be available after your ceremony for further pictures.
Celebrant There are several priests who staff Our Lady of the Magnificat over the summer season. Ordinarily, one of those priests will be available to celebrate your baptism. If you wish to invite another Catholic Priest or Deacon, please indicate that, and his name and contact info, when you arrange of the baptism. Visiting clergy from outside the Diocese of Rockville Centre must provide a letter of good standing to Our Lady of the Magnificat from their bishop or proper superior..
Offering The recommended Church offering for a baptism is $150.00. This is an offering, and not a fee. If you have financial hardship, we would be happy to discuss a smaller offering. And if you wish to contribute more than $150 to the support of our summer mission, your generosity is always appreciated.