Welcome to St. Clement of Rome Parish One of the 100 Great Catholic Parishes of the United States

4317 Richland Avenue, Metairie, Louisiana 70002  |  Phone (504) 887-7821  |  Fax (504) 454-3906  |  stclement@archdiocese-no.org

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Rules For Baptism Mandated By Parish and Archdiocese

Baptism Seminar: St. Clement of Rome Parish requires both mother and father to attend a baptism seminar, which is held on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. prior to the Baptism on the first Sunday of each month. If there is a change in the date of the Baptism the priest or deacon will discuss this with you at the meeting. For families located in another city, you may attend a seminar in your local church parish and request that parish to send a letter to St. Clement of Rome stating your participation in their seminar. For these families see rule "Residence outside Parish Boundaries." Number of Godparents: Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each sex is to be employed. [1] Godparents' Qualifications: Have completed the sixteenth year . . . and been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist. [2] Godparent by Proxy: If the godparent cannot be present in person he or she may appoint another person to serve as a proxy, but the appointment must be made in such a way that there is certainty as to the person who takes the responsibility as godparent. Ordinarily the appointment of the proxy should be made by the godparent in writing or before two witness . . . the real godparent must give a mandate directly or indirectly (through the agency of others but with his or her consent) to the proxy. [3] Children of Unmarried Mothers: The child is to be recorded under the mother's maiden name. The name of the father of the illegitimate child is NOT to be included on the baptismal certificate unless he has first submitted a notarized document claiming paternity . . . In the event that the father does not submit a notarized admission of paternity, a notation such as "not declared" should be entered on the certificate. [4] Private or Special Baptisms: These are discouraged and are avoided unless there are extenuating circumstances. Baptism like many of the sacraments is celebrated with our brothers and sisters in unity with the Church. When we meet in church we meet as a family of the whole church not as a single entity. Our baby's baptism represents the life of and the entrance into the church and a source of grace from God. Residence Outside Parish Boundaries: For those parents who live outside St. Clement of Rome Boundaries and are not members of St. Clement of Rome Parish, we require a letter from the pastor of the parish that encompasses your living quarters. In other words, the parish that you live in must send a letter to us before we can baptize your child at St. Clement of Rome. Coming Late For the Baptism: If you come late, that is after the Baptism has started, The priest or deacon can refuse to baptize your child, if he feels that he has progress far enough into the service that it will be a disruption to the others being baptized. You will need to make another appointment for the following month. 1 Code of Canon Law, Canon Law Society of America, 1983, Can.873 2 Code of Canon Law, Canon Law Society of America, 1983, Can. 874 (2 and 3) 3 The Pastoral Companion, A Cannon Law handbook for Catholic Ministry by John M. Huels, O.S.M., J.C.D., page 54 4 Archdiocesan Policies, July, 1994; updated November, 1995; page G-1

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