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Baptism
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We want to help welcome your child into the Church!Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we:
- Are freed from all sin
- Are adopted as sons and daughters of God
- Become members of Christ
- Are incorporated into the Church
We are excited you want your child to be part of Christ's mission in the world. Infant Baptism is typically held Sundays at 1:15 PM. Baptismal preparation is required for first-time parents and is a one-time meeting with a deacon or priest, scheduled at a time convenient to the parents. Before completing the Baptismal Registration please carefully read the guidelines provided below. Contact the rectory at 636-394-7307 to make arrangements for a date.
Guidelines- Fully initiated member of the Catholic Church. This means that they should have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. This person should be willing and able to help the child develop and grow in the Catholic faith. They should also be practicing and in good standing.
- If married, they must be in a valid marriage recognized by the Church.
- There must be at least one sponsor. In the case where there are two sponsors, one must be male and the other female. The maximum number of sponsors is two.
- The minimum age for a fully initiated Catholic to be a sponsor is sixteen (16) years of age.
- A baptized Christian, non-Catholic, may not be a sponsor, but may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic sponsor.
- Non-baptized persons may not officially act as a sponsor or a witness to a baptism of a child in the Catholic faith.
- Parents of the child being baptized may not serve as a sponsor or Christian witness.
- Must sign a sponsor/Christian witness form.
- Church stipend $100 can be submitted in advance to parish office or given to the celebrant the day of the Baptism. If you would like to offer a gift specifically to the celebrant of the sacrament, please give your offering directly to him.
For Adult Baptism, contact one of our priests or deacons, and click here for information on our R.C.I.A. program: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults -
If you would prefer to print out the registration and return it then please click on the document below.
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Documents
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Frequently Asked QuestionsCan a member of my family who is not Catholic, but a Christian be a godparent?
A godparent or sponsor is required by Canon Law to be a fully initiated Catholic in good standing (This means that have received Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. If they are married, they must have a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church.) A non-Catholic, then cannot serve as a godparent in a Catholic baptism. A Christian may serve as a Christian witness. A godparent is asked to promise to help the parents of the child to raise the child in the Catholic faith.
Can a family member who is not Christian be a witness?
No, the Church requires for Baptism that a witness be Christian. Non-Christians are welcome to attend a celebration of the Sacrament; however, the Church makes no demands on their conscience to participate in a Rite which may be contrary to their beliefs.
Can a married family member who is Catholic but did not marry in the Church be a godparent?
Unless the marriage is otherwise recognized as valid by the Church, this person cannot serve as a godparent. This person may very well be a good person in many ways, but the marital situation needs to be reconciled before they fulfill the role of godparent.
Can a family member who was married in the Church but now is separated or divorced be a godparent or sponsor?
Possibly. Separation or divorce does not necessarily inhibit a person from being a godparent, but please contact the rectory for clarification for your situation.
Can I have my child baptized if my spouse is not Catholic?
Yes, only one parent needs to have received the Sacrament of Baptism. The other parent must agree to have the child baptized. Please note, however, that if one or both of the parents have expressed an intent to become Catholic, the child may be baptized. As long as there is an earnest desire for the child to be reared in the Catholic faith, the Church will work with the parents on baptizing the child and addressing any specific concerns.
Do I have to be married in the Church to have my child baptized?
No, however; we would invite those who have not received this sacrament to talk to one of the clergy for more information on how to celebrate this sacrament.
Do I have to be confirmed to have my child baptized?
No, however, we would invite anyone who is an adult and has not been confirmed to enroll in our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program or inquiry with the clergy on how to be confirmed.
Can I have more than two godparents or sponsors?
No, however, we would invite your entire family to be involved in the upbringing of your child in the Catholic faith. Different family and cultural traditions are important to raising your children in the faith and are encouraged by the Church.
