Infant Baptism

The Catholic Church requires that all parents and sponsors (godparents) of those to be baptized to engage in preparatory formation for the celebration of Baptism, regardless of religious affiliation. 

The in-person baptism preparation class consists of a Saturday morning session from 9am to 12pm, including a rehearsal. The class is offered once per quarter and registration is required. The next Baptism preparation session will take place on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in the church.

Baptisms are typically celebrated on the second weekend of each month during Mass pending all paperwork and requirements are completed and turned in.

If you would like for your child to receive the sacrament of Baptism, or even if you are just expecting, please contact Veronica Olson about registering for a Baptism Prep session and to receive the necessary forms.

Godparents should be chosen with care. They should be people who are knowledgeable of the faith and enthusiastic witnesses of the faith. They must be fully initiated in the Church, having received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. If married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. Documents will be requested to verify that these Sacraments have been received. Godparents, it is hoped, will take an active role in their godchild's growth in faith and build a loving, trust-filled relationship with the child.

There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each. Note: While a couple (male – female) may be admitted as sponsors (godparents), if qualified, the regulations do not permit two males or two females. (Canon #873-874)

To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor, a person must:

• Be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function. Note: It is the parents’ responsibility to select a sponsor(s).

• Minimum age is 16, although exceptions may be made by the pastor, given just pastoral reason. In general, choose someone over the age of 16.

• Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.  A “life of faith,” while not defined, includes marriage within the church, a life free of public scandal, etc.

• Not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized.

Christian Witnesses:  A baptized non-Catholic may be permitted to serve as a Christian witness, as long as a valid Catholic sponsor is also chosen. (Canon #874.2)

To baptize means to “immerse” in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). CCC 252