Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Mt 28:19-20)

Baptism is the gateway into the Church and the life of Christ. In baptism we become children of God, having put a worldly life behind us. Jesus teaches that if we look to the life left behind us we “are not fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). In baptizing their children, parents take on the responsibility to teach their children to pray, to believe and to practice the Catholic faith, in fidelity to the Lord’s command. 

Parents and godparents must model a life of trust in Jesus, both in religious practice and also in the moral life. Although the requirements for parents are simple--to promise to raise the child in the Catholic faith--yet it is a demanding job which demands of parents to examine their own faith and practice. Parents are not required to be married, though they are strongly encouraged to live according to the Church's moral teachings and provide the stability of marriage to their children. To help prepare parents for their role and for the liturgy of baptism, they must register for and complete a pre-baptismal class; call the parish office to register. Parents who have baptized two children or who have taken the class twice are exempt. 

The Church’s teaching is that children should be baptized within a month after birth, but we are able to accommodate older infants or toddlers. If the child is already in grade school, it will also be necessary to enroll them in catechetical instruction. Children age 14 and over require a more involved process, as they are of an age to speak for themselves. Baptisms are generally held after a Sunday Mass. 

Godparents, also known as Sponsors, assist the parents to live an authentic Christian life. Godparents perform their role in the name of the Church and therefore must meet certain requirements before being permitted to serve. Godparents must be Catholics in good standing who have received Baptism, Confirmation and Communion and are at least 16 years old. They must be true examples of faith, living according to the Church's moral teachings, and actively receiving the sacraments. Persons who are merely cohabitating or whose marriage (if married) is not recognized by the Church cannot serve as godparents, though the parish is ready to help them remedy their living situation.

A godparent is required for Baptism, insofar as possible. While only one godparent is required, two are permitted, though they must be one man and one woman. Although there is a maximum of two godparents, additional baptized persons may participate as a Christian Witnesses together with a Catholic godparent. However, only godparents are inscribed in the parish’s records. 

The baptism of a child is an opportunity for a family to grow in faith and practice at home. Parents should be active members of their own parish and children should be baptized in their parents’ parish. If members of other parishes want to baptize their children at St. Patrick’s they will need to present a letter of permission from their own Pastor. 

Although there is no fee for baptism, parents will be provided an envelope to make a charitable offering to St. Patrick’s parish for our operating funds.