Infant Baptism
Baptisms are generally scheduled on Sundays after the 10 AM Mass. We ordinarily do not schedule baptisms on the 2nd Sunday. The parish priests and deacons are also happy to schedule a baptism at another mutually agreeable time.
Baptism should happen as soon as possible after the birth of the child.
Requirements for Baptism
- The intention to raise the child as a Catholic.
- The consent of all parents having religious custody.
- A Baptism class with one of the parish priests.
Older Children
Pre-school through Second Grade
For children who have started school but have not completed second grade, the process is similar to that for infants. As part of the required commitment to raise your child in the faith, families are expected to provide for their child’s religious education, usually through our school or PSR program. One of the parish priests will meet with the family, and the child’s teacher or the director of religious education will meet with the child to ensure they understand what is happening in an age-appropriate manner.
Beyond Second Grade
In most circumstances, children brought to baptism after they’ve reached “the age of reason,” around 7 years old, receive baptism, First Communion, and confirmation simultaneously. Confirmation and First Communion are usually delayed for children baptized as infants, so they’re old enough to understand when it happens. The Church asks that when a child is old enough to understand, we do all three sacraments on the same day to emphasize that they are all part of the same initiation into the Church.
Adults
The process for adults entering the Catholic Church are seeking baptism is called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, OCIA.
Contact us to schedule a baptism!
God Parents (Sponsors)
“Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor…. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. [They should lead] a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.” (Code of Canon Law 872)
Each child to be baptized may have up to one male and one female godparent. Godparents must be confirmed Catholics, at least sixteen years old, who practice the Catholic faith. Practicing the faith includes attending Holy Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving sacramental confession at least once a year, getting married in the Church if married, and contributing to the support of the church. Up to one godparent may be a “Christian Witness,” meaning a baptized and committed Christian who is not Catholic. If a person selected as a godparent is unable to attend the baptism, another person may stand in their place as proxy.
-St. Louis the King
