BAPTISMS
The following Baptism requirements are for parents with children age infant to five years old. Age six and up must enroll in religious education classes where they will prepare to make their 1st Holy Communion and be Baptized.
Please download the Baptism Registration form for a complete summary of the requirements and fees.
Godparent Requirements
The role of a godparent in the Catholic Church is to act as the spiritual guide for your child and to help insure they fulfill the obligations of their faith. As a future role model for your child, they must be a visible example of Christian living. They must worship regularly at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, partake in Holy Communion and Reconciliation, and live a life committed to Christ and His teachings.
Which is why Canon law states that godparents must meet the following requirements:
1. There need be only one sponsor. If there are two, then one must be male, the other female. (Canon 873)
2. Canon 874 §1requires that sponsors must:
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Be chosen by the parent (or minister)
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Be 16 years old or greater
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Be Catholic
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Have received the Eucharist
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Have been confirmed
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Lead a "life in keeping with the function to be taken on".
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Not be the parent of the child to be baptized.
3. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.
4. Persons who are not Catholics but belong to one of the Eastern Orthodox Churches may act as sponsors.
Needed Paperwork for Godparents
Copies of their Sacramental certificates:
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Baptism
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First Communion
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Confirmation
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Church Wedding Certificate (if applicable.)
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Godparents do not need to be married, but if they are, they must be married in the Catholic Church. If they are married, we will also need a copy of their church wedding certificate.
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Baptismal class certificate or letter of completion if the class was taken at another church.
If the godparents don't have copies of their Sacramental certificates:
Please try contacting the godparent's church of Baptism. Typically, the Church of Baptism has records of completed Sacraments. We will accept a new Baptism certificate with the notations that include when and where their godparents made their Confirmation and when and where they got married.
If the godparents were married in the Catholic Church, the church where they completed their wedding preparation should still have copies of their Sacrament certificates on file.
Baptism Class
Baptism classes are held every 1st Sunday of the Month at 6:15 PM in the Parish Hall. There is no cost for the Baptism class and no appointment is needed.
Classes are required for both parents and Godparents. Baptismal classes are good for up to two years. If it has been more than two years since you have taken a Baptism class you will need to retake it.
If you are taking the Baptism class at another Catholic Church...
If the parents or the Godparents would like to take the Baptism Class at another church please provide a copy of the certificate or letter of completion to prove you have taken the class. Parents must also turn in the required paperwork to the Parish Office (see below).
If you would like to take a Baptism class online...
If the parents or the Godparents would like to take a Baptism Class online we will accept a certificate of completion from Ascension Press.
Baptism Registration Form
The following paperwork must be turned into the Parish Office before a Baptism can be scheduled:
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A completed Baptism Registration form.
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A copy of the baby's birth certificate or hospital certificate.
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Copies of the Godparents Sacramental certificates.
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Baptismal class certificate or letter of completion if the class was taken at another church for both parents and godparents.
Baptism Ceremony
By appointment only. All dates and times for a Baptism Ceremony are pending church and Priest availability. This following paperwork must be submitted to the Parish Office BEFORE the ceremony can be scheduled.
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A completed Baptism Registration form.
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A copy of the baby's birth certificate or hospital certificate.
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Copies of the Godparents Sacramental certificates.
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Baptismal class certificate or letter of completion if the class was taken at another church for both parents and godparents.
Baptism Ceremonies are in English. We unfortunately do not have a Spanish speaking Priest available at this time. Latin Baptisms can also be performed pending Priest availability.
Since the ceremony takes place inside of the church, please dress modestly. The following is considered inappropriate: low neckline, exposed back, shorts, skirts above the knee, exposed midriff, tight fitting, tank tops, see through.
We offer both public and private baptisms, please see the Baptism Registration form for more information.
Why the Church of Baptism Matters
Baptism is the first sacrament that your child will receive in their lifetime. The church of baptism will essentially become their "home" parish and will keep the records of all of your child's sacraments. The church where your child makes 1st Holy Communion, Confirmation and where they are married will inform the church of Baptism and the sacraments will be recorded in the church of Baptism’s records.
If your child is to be married in the Catholic Church, they will need to receive a new Baptism certificate with the notations on the back saying where and when they also made their 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Many churches require new copies of sacramental certificates to be picked up in person.