Baptisms

Private baptism ceremonies are available Saturdays at 12PM. All baptisms are to be arranged at least one month in advance. Baptisms must be arranged by the parents of the baptismal candidate. Please contact the rectory office for availability and required forms. All forms must be submitted before a date can be reserved.

All baptisms are said in English. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have a Spanish speaking priest available.

School age children from 1st grade to 8th grade looking to be baptized must also enroll in our Religious Education program. Anyone of high school age or older looking to be baptized should contact the rectory to inquire about the RCIA program.

Godparents

The Code of Canon Law 872 states that the role of godparents are to, “help the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.” Godparents are important because they support you, the parents, in your journey to raising your child in the ways of Christ. As such, they should be chosen carefully. Don’t just choose someone who you like or who you feel obligated to choose because they’re your closest friend or nearest relation. Choose someone who will serve as a good Christian role model in your child’s life.

And no, a godparent does not get custody of your child should you die. That is something that must be discussed with your lawyer, not the Church.

It is customary to have two godparents for a baptism, one male and one female. They do not need to be married to each other. However, a baptism can still be held with only one godparent. A baptized non-Catholic Christian cannot be a godparent, but can be recorded as a “Christian Witness” so long as the other godparent is an eligible Catholic. (Code of Canon Law 873, 874 §2)

Godparent Eligibility

According to Code of Canon Law 874 §1, godparents must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old and mature enough to understand and accept the responsibilities of being a godparent.
• Received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation within the Catholic Church. 
• If married, they must have had the ceremony in a Catholic Church. If they only had a civil ceremony, they need to have the marriage convalidated.
• If divorced, they must not be remarried outside of the Catholic Church.
• Be living in accordance with the faith and morals taught by the Catholic Church.
• If they have children, they must be enrolled in a Catholic school or religious education program.
• They must receive the sacrament of Penance at least once a year.
• Be a registered member of a Catholic parish. Most parishes, including ours, have the following requirements to be considered a member of the parish.
  • You must be officially registered for at least 6 months. (This means you are getting tithing envelopes in your name.)
  • You must be attending weekly mass and on Holy Days of Obligation.
  • You must participate in weekly tithing.

If you’re unsure if your chosen sponsor is eligible to obtain a certificate from their parish, you can check with our quick quiz.

If you have any other questions about baptisms and sponsors, please contact the rectory for assistance.