Baptism Policy - Steps for Baptizing your Child
There is a booklet and a paper application form for baptism that describes the basic obligations and requirements for Catholic Baptism in the Parish Commons. Please fill out that application form and return it to the Church or the online registration form. A parish minister will then contact you about the required class for parents which takes place the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM. It is not necessary to wait until the child is born to attend the class. Baptisms are celebrated on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The Rite begins during the Saturday 5:00 PM Mass and is completed after Mass at the Font.
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. Your marriage is a tremendous example to your children. If you were married outside the Church, please speak to one of our Priest to have your marriage validated/blessed by the Church.
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 multiple godparents. At least one godparent must be Catholic. The other godparent need not be Catholic, but must be a baptized Christian.
Baptism Procedures Used at Old St. Mary's Church
Baptisms take place on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Do not make travel arrangements for other family members or godparents before confirming the date of the baptism with us upon completion of the class.
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 a stipend to the Church of between $50 - $100, if the family can afford it. (Make checks out to: Old St. Mary's Church).
A certificate will be given after the Baptism for each child or mailed to you soon after the ceremony.
