Baptism: It only makes sense to initiate a child into the community where the parent(s) belong and participate and where the child will learn to belong and participate. With this in mind the following directions are offered.

* At least one parent or guardian must be registered at the Parish(for at least three months) and be a practicing member of the faith community.
* Because it takes time to arrange and prepare for your child’s baptism, the parish needs plenty of advance notice.
* The Church needs the assurance that the child will be brought up in the practice of the faith.
* In the event that the Catholic parent(s) were not married in the Catholic Church, they need to meet with the priest to discuss the validation of their marriage so that plans for the baptism can continue.
* Both parents and godparents are expected to attend the Baptismal Preparation Class.

Godparents: must be at least 16 years of age, have received the three sacraments of initiation(Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) and be actively practicing the Catholic faith.

* A non-Catholic, baptized Christian may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent.
* Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend the Baptismal Preparation.

Celebrating Baptism: Quite often, when parents are planning to baptize their first child, have many questions for me. Here are some general guidelines for parents who are planning the baptism of their child:

1. What is meant by “practicing Catholic”? “Practicing Catholic” includes: faithful participation at the Sunday Eucharist with the community, an attitude of prayer, the habit of works of charity and/or some ministry in the community.

2. What if I am a practicing Catholic who has just moved into the area and no one on the pastoral team knows me? First of all, “Welcome to our faith community.” A letter or e-mail or fax from your former pastor or parish confirming your standing is acceptable so plans for your child’s baptism may proceed.

3. What if I am not currently a practicing Catholic? If you wish to begin the practice of your faith again (or for the first time) we want to welcome you. Here is that you can do to begin:

--Start to attend Mass weekly. Try several of the celebrations we have listed in the bulletin to find a Mass that is most convenient and nourishing for your family.

--Introduce yourself to the priest after Mass.

--Make an appointment with the priest after 3 months of your new practice of faith to discuss how things are going and to discern whether to begin the process of Christian initiation (baptism) for your child.

4. What if I’m not a Catholic, but still seek baptism for my child? Children are baptized based on the faith of their parents or guardians. Adults who wish to join the Catholic Church are welcomed through the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” (sometimes referred to as “RCIA”). More information on this process is available through the church office.