Dignity/Boston is a progressive, inclusive
faith community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Roman
Catholics, our families and friends. We seek to support the spiritual
and sacramental lives of our members and participants, as well
as to seek ways of worshiping that further the search for justice
in the Church and society.
Because Dignity challenges current Church theology
about homosexuality, we have been denied use of certain Church
facilities. While we firmly believe that the sacraments we offer
within our community are fully legitimate, we are unable to document
or register them, due to the Church's withholding of its sanction.
Given these realities, Dignity/Boston has adopted a series of
guidelines for people seeking the sacrament of Baptism for their
children within our community. While each person's situation is
unique, and individual circumstances will always be taken into
consideration, it is our hope that these guidelines will help
both the individual(s) involved and the community of Dignity/Boston
have the most joyous experience possible whenever this sacrament
is celebrated.
Because of our limitations in offering the
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program, we have
not adopted formal guidelines for adult baptisms or conversions.
We urge adults interested in joining the Catholic Church to approach
a Chapter leader or Chaplain to discuss available resources.
Guidelines
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Anyone seeking Baptism should be directed
to speak with a member of Dignity/Boston's Liturgy Committee.
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People seeking Baptism for their child(ren)
within Dignity/Boston are asked to be members of or associated
with the community for six months prior to celebrating the sacrament.
This is to ensure that the family understands and feels comfortable
with our community, to enable the community to know the children
it welcomes into the Church, to provide support for the families
and to fulfill the responsibility made in acting as witnesses
to Baptism. It is also our hope that the family will remain
connected with Dignity/Boston after the child(ren)'s Baptism.
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Baptism may be celebrated within the
context of Dignity/Boston's weekly liturgy or as a private event,
depending on the wishes of the persons involved and the community's
resources. If the Baptism is to be celebrated outside of the
weekly liturgy, Dignity/Boston cannot be responsible for such
things as music, presider or use of church space. Liturgy Committee
members will provide information as to how the individuals can
make the necessary arrangements, but they become the responsibility
of the person seeking Baptism.
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At least three months' advance notice
is requested for a Baptism. Only in the most extreme circumstances
will Baptisms be celebrated during the season of Lent.
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Dignity/Boston encourages the person(s)
seeking Baptism for their child(ren) to meet with a community
Chaplain on at least one occasion, to discuss the meaning of
Baptism and the responsibility of the individuals and the community.
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Anyone seeking Baptism for a child will
be notified of Dignity/Boston's inability to have the receipt
of the sacrament registered in an officially recognized way.
The implications of this inability will be discussed, and the
decision about whether to proceed will be left to the child's
parent(s) or guardian(s).
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Dignity/Boston will provide a certificate
of Baptism, signed by the person officiating at the Baptism
and the current Chapter president.
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Baptisms offered during the community's
weekly liturgy will generally be performed immediately following
the homily.
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Any type of public celebration held
following the liturgy will be the responsibility of the individuals
involved. They will be responsible for arranging set-up and
clean-up, and for overseeing the security of the building in
conjunction with Dignity/Boston's agreement with St. John the
Evangelist Church.
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There is no fee for the celebration
of Baptism at Dignity/Boston. Free-will donations may be offered
by the family.
