"The sacraments of Christian initiation
- Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist -
lay the foundations of every Christian life.

"The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity."

Baptism is the door to life and to the kingdom of God. Christ offered this first sacrament of the new law to all that they might have eternal life. When Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again if he wished to enter the Kingdom of God, Nicodemus inquired as to what that meant. Jesus responded:

    "unless you are born of water and the Spirit, you can not enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:3-5)

Baptism is that first sacrament which sets us on our journey to eternal life with God by giving us a share in Christ's own life for the first time. "Baptism is the sacrament by which we are incorporated into the Church, built into house where God lives." (Instruction on Baptism) "Christian instruction and the preparation for baptism are a vital concern of God's people, the Church, which hands on and nourishes the faith it has received from the Apostles... In the baptism of children, the godparents should be present to be added spiritually to the immediate family of the one to be baptized and to represent the Church.

From the earliest times, the church, to which the mission of preaching the gospel and of baptizing was entrusted, has baptized children as well as adults. Our Lord said:

    "Unless a man is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
(John 3:5)

The Church has always understood His word to mean that Children should not be deprived of Baptism, because they are baptized in the faith of the church. This faith is proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents who represent the local Church and the whole society of believers. Parents should not delay the baptism of their children except for serious reasons; children should be baptized as soon as possible.

To bring out the paschal character of baptism, the sacrament should be celebrated on Sundays when the Church commemorates the Lord's Resurrection. Baptisms take place at a common time so that the community of believers may be present. Baptisms take place in the church where there is the proper baptismal font which is consecrated every Easter Vigil.

Requirements for godparents:
(click here for a printable copy of St. Kilian's Requirements for Godparents)
There may be one or two sponsors (godparents). If there are two one must be male (godfather) and the other female (godmother). Two godfathers or two godmothers are not permissible in church law.

The sponsor (godparent) must be

• A baptized and confirmed Catholic;
• At least 16 years of age (there may be exception to this);
• Living an upright (moral) life;
• No penalties such as having left the Catholic Church to join another religion; divorced and remarried;
• Cannot be either parent.

If there is one Catholic sponsor who fulfills the above requirements, another baptized Christian may act as a Christian witness. Former Catholics may not act as Christian witnesses. Christian witness must be at least sixteen years old, baptized and living an upright life.

There is no specified offering for the church. However, an offering envelope is provided for those who wish to make an offering to the parish. The parish has many temporal needs; your support helps us to continue providing services for the parish.

For more information regarding sponsors you may check the Diocese of Rockville Centre website: www.drvc.com

Requirements for Marriage at St. Kilian's
(click here for a printable copy of St. Kilian's marriage requirements)

• At least one of the couple must have a relationship to St. Kilian's Parish.
• Neither party may have an impediment such as a previous marriage unless ended by death or a church annulment.
• The couple must attend a pre marriage preparation program, called Pre Cana.
• If either bride or groom is not catholic, the catholic party must sign the dispensation promising to preserve his or her own faith in the Catholic Church and trying to the best of his or her ability to raise the children in the Catholic faith. The non catholic does not have to convert to the Catholic Faith.

Also for your information:

• A New York State marriage license must be obtained from any New York State license bureau (usually Town Hall) at least 48 hours prior to the wedding ceremony.
• All aspects of the wedding services must be according to St. Kilian's manner and custom.
• St. Kilian has a professional organist and singer who will discuss the wedding music with you. Other musicians are discouraged, however, if other musicians are used St. Kilian's must still be paid.
• The priest or deacon arranging your wedding will probably preside at your ceremony. However we can not guarantee a specific presider. If you have a relative or friend who is a deacon or priest they are welcome to preside at your nuptials. They should write a letter to the pastor requesting the proper delegation.
• We do not permit the throwing of rice, bird seed, confetti and flower petals. All these can make the church building and property dangerous, especially for your older guests.
• All weddings must start on time. There is a limited time for each wedding because of other weddings and church services which follow. Basically each wedding may have the use of the church for one hour only. If weddings are significantly late parts of the ceremony will have to be usurped so that the church will be available for the next service.
• The church offering: Although sacraments are matters of faith and are not bought or sold, the church does exist in a temporal world, and we need the support of our parishioners in order to provide the services you require. The suggested offering is set by the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Those in financial difficulty will not be denied the sacrament; those who enjoy God's blessings may wish to contribute more generously. The donation is for the church. If you wish to make a gift to the priest or deacon, it is not expected, but appreciated.
• Videographers and Photographers are welcome to be in the church, however, all video and photo activity must be courteous and not distracting to the church services. They may not move about the front of the church, but must remain in a place where they are not distracting to the ceremony. They may not use lights or flashes once the ceremony has begun.