Baptism

The Sanctifying Role of the Church

Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in his life in Jesus Christ and makes us his children. It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from sin.

Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people. Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation. The child is baptized in the faith of their parents, godparents and of the Church.

Parish Guidelines and Information for Infant Baptism

Parents are responsible for bringing their child to the Sacrament of Baptism as soon after birth as possible. Except in case of necessity, the church is the usual place of baptism. In order that a child be baptized, it is necessary that the parents consent, or at least one of them, or someone legally standing in their place, and that there is reasonable hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith. Parents must be members of the Parish. If parents are not members, please click here to register.

To Schedule an Infant Baptism:

Please contact Amy Beck, [email protected] Please provide by mail or email:

Birth certificate (copy)
Sponsor letters from church that they attend
Complete parent baptism class (see below)
Complete baptism registration form below

: Baptism Registration Form
Email
Child's Name
Sex: FemaleMale
Child's Date of Birth
City and State of Birth
Did the child receive an emergency Baptism?: YesNo

: Parent Information
: Please note that Baptismal records are LEGAL document, just like birth certificates. The Baptism Certificate will reflect the mother's maiden (NOT MARRIED) name.
Father's Full Name (First, Middle, Last Name)
Father's Religion
Mother's name AT BIRTH (First, Middle, Maiden Last Name)
Mother's Religion
Were the parents married by either a Catholic priest or deacon?: YesNo
Home Address (please include full mailing address, including zip code)
Contact Phone Number
Date and Place of Baptism Preparation Class

: Godparent Information
: A sponsor certificate from the godparent's parish is REQUIRED for any Catholic godparent not registered at Saint Joseph. At leas ONE godparent MUST be a practicing Catholic (at least 16 years of age, has received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist and who leads a life in harmony with the faith). According to Canon Law 873 "IF THERE ARE TWO GODPARENTS, ONE MUST BE MALE AND ONE MUST BE FEMALE. A SINGLE GODPARENT MAY BE OF EITHER SEX."
Godfather's Full Name (First, Middle, Last Name)
Godfather's Religion
Godmother's Full Name (First. Middle, Last Name)
Godmother's Religion
: Proxy Godparent Information
: Required only if the godparents cannot be present. Sponsor certificates from the godparent's parish are still required for Catholic godparents who are not members of Saint Joseph.
Proxy Godfather's Full Name (First, Middle, Last Name)
Proxy Godfather's Religion
Proxy Godmother's Name (First, Middle, Last Name)
Proxy Godmother's Religion

Baptism Class Requirements:

An in-person Baptism class is required for parents seeking the Sacrament of Baptism for children under the age of 7. The class is normally held the Second Saturday of the month in the Adult Education Room from 10 AM – noon . Please contact Amy Beck, [email protected], for the class dates and to register.

Godparent (Sponsor) Requirements:

A sponsor assists the person, who is to receive Baptism and Confirmation, to lead a Christian life. (Archdiocesan Guidelines for the Sacraments of Initiation 2017-09-08 document)
There may be only one male and one female sponsor
A sponsor must be designated by the parents of an infant, by an adult himself or herself, or by the Pastor or other cleric who administers the Sacrament
A sponsor must have completed his or her 16th year
A sponsor must have received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist
A sponsor must be a practicing Catholic*
A sponsor, if married, must have been married by a catholic priest or deacon
A mother or father may not be a sponsor for their child
A baptized non-Catholic may only act as a witness where a Catholic sponsor has been designated*

*For the Sacrament of Baptism, one sponsor may be a practicing non-Catholic Christian. For the record they will be listed as a Christian Witness. They need to obtain a letter of eligibility from their church.

*Baptisms are currently scheduled the first and third Saturday of every month at 10 AM.

For more information on Infant Baptism contact Amy Beck at [email protected]

Baptism

Baptism Registration Form

Parent Information

Godparent Information

Proxy Godparent Information

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