Anyone who is a parishioner living within the geographical boundaries of any of our three parishes, or is a registered member of any one of our three parishes, is eligible to have their child/children baptized. Any discussion regarding baptisms will only be had with the biological parents (adoptive parents included). Grandparents, friends, aunts, uncles, legal guardians, someone speaking on the parent’s behalf, cannot schedule baptisms, or provide the staff with any personal information regarding the child or parents. If this is the first child for either the mother or the father, both parents must attend a Baptism preparation course provided by the parish prior to scheduling a Baptism.

• This class is not necessary if both parents have had other children baptized in the Catholic Faith.
• In cases of a single parent, a written statement of consent to have the child baptized from the non-custodial parent must be provided to the pastor prior to scheduling a meeting with the pastor, or scheduling the Baptism, unless the parental rights have been legally relinquished by the non-custodial parent (proof must be provided).
• In the event that a couple is not married, a copy of the child’s original birth certificate must be obtained in order to state the biological father in the baptismal records.

Godparents:
For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, and so the sponsors must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized child on the road of Christian life.

• One Sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex.
• A Sponsor must be not less than sixteen years of age, and must be a Confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Church, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken. (Canon 874)
• A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic church community may be admitted as a Christian Witness, but only in company with the Catholic Sponsor.
  A Christian witness may not be less than 13 years of age, and may only serve as a Christian witness at the approval of the pastor.
  • At least one godparent must be at least 16 years old, and a Confirmed and practicing Catholic. The other godparent may not be younger than 13 years old, and only with the pastor’s approval.