BAPTISM POLICY—STEPS FOR BAPTIZING YOUR CHILD
We have a booklet and an application form for baptism that
describes the basic obligations and requirements for Catholic
Baptism, in the reception area. Please fill out the application
form and return it to the Church. A parish minister will then
contact you about the required class and setup a future time
and date that you can attend. They usually take place the
first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM.
Baptisms are celebrated on the second and fourth
weekends of each month on Saturday after the 5 PM
Mass.
Basic Obligations and Requirements of the Catholic Church
Parents who present a child for baptism should be active in
the practice of their faith. Parents are taking on the obligation
of raising their children in the faith; this involves a serious
commitment to regular worship on Sunday. Obstacles to
practicing one’s faith, such as a prior marriage or a marriage
not validated by the church, should be dealt with as part of
the baptism process.
Though only one godparent is necessary, it is the custom to
have two godparents, one who should be male, the other
female. Please do not appoint more than two godparents.
Both godparents should be Catholic. But when pastorally
appropriate, for example in a mixed marriage, in addition to a
Catholic godparent, another baptized person may serve as a
Christian witness at the baptism. Unbaptized people cannot
serve as godparents or Christian witnesses at baptism.
Baptism Procedures Used at Old St. Mary’s Church
At the time of the class, parents will review the obligations
they are accepting and the steps of the ritual with a minister
of the parish. They will also be given a form to fill out with all
the necessary data to properly record the baptism at Old St.
Mary’s.
It is traditional to give an offering to the Church of between
$50 - $100, if the family can afford it. (Make checks out to:
Old St. Mary’s Church).
At the baptism a certificate will be given for each child or
mailed to you soon after the ceremony.
