Baptism

Holy Baptism frees us from original sin, makes us children of God, and incorporates us into Christ and his Church. In it we die and rise with Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit. It is the gateway to the other sacraments and the beginning of a life of grace, nourished by prayer, the Eucharist, and the faith of the Church.

Baptism for a child

Parents are invited to contact the parish office to begin preparation. Tell us your child’s age, which church you attend, and your preferred language. Ask about the current preparation session, the information needed for the parish record, and available celebration arrangements before making firm plans with guests.

The parish’s Baptism guidance asks parents to prepare for their role in raising a child in the faith. This includes teaching prayer, sharing the practice of Sunday Mass, and helping the child learn to follow Jesus. The preparation conversation is also a place to ask questions about your family’s circumstances.

Choosing godparents

Godparents help parents support the child’s Christian life through prayer and example. Before inviting someone, ask the parish about sponsor eligibility and the documentation that may be needed. If a prospective godparent belongs to another parish, allow time to obtain any required confirmation of eligibility. The office can explain the distinction between a Catholic godparent and a Christian witness.

Common questions

Can we begin preparation before our child is born?

Yes. Contact the office during pregnancy to arrange preparation and discuss a possible celebration date. Let us know when the child is born so the parish can confirm the arrangements and record information.

How many godparents does our child need?

One eligible Catholic godparent is sufficient. If there are two godparents, one is a man and one is a woman. A godparent should ordinarily be at least 16, have received Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, and live the Catholic faith. The child’s father or mother cannot serve as the godparent. Ask the parish to review eligibility before inviting someone; a godparent from another parish may need a letter from that parish.

Can a non-Catholic Christian take part?

A baptized non-Catholic Christian may participate as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent. Tell the priest whom you hope to invite so the roles and parish record can be arranged correctly.

What if the parents are not married in the Church?

Please speak with a priest. A child is not excluded simply because the parents are unmarried. The preparation conversation will consider the parents’ intention to raise the child in the Catholic faith and how the parish can support the family.

Can family members attend?

Family and friends are welcome, including relatives who are not Catholic. Confirm the church and celebration arrangements with the parish before inviting guests or planning travel.

Older children and adults

Preparation is adapted to a person’s age and experience. Please contact us if your child is beyond infancy, or visit Becoming Catholic if you are an adult seeking Baptism. We will help you find the appropriate path rather than asking you to fit an infant-preparation process.

Arrange the next step

Contact the parish office for a preparation appointment and current forms. If you are seeking a copy of an existing baptismal record, tell the office where and approximately when the Baptism took place; staff can explain how to request it.

For an urgent request involving serious illness, call and explain the circumstances.