Baptism of children age 0-6 years

What a wonderful gift you are giving your child!  Parents with children ages 0-6 prepare for their child's baptism by attending a preparation class, and through the very important selection of godparents.  You are welcome to attend the class even before the baby is born, so there is no delay to receive the sacrament. Baptism classes are available upon request by contacting the Parish Office. During the class, the sacrament will be discussed, and a date and time for the baptism will be arranged. Parents and Godparents both must attend.
 

Baptism of children age 7 years and older

Parents wanting their older children to be baptized is a wonderful thing!  The Church recognizes that by age 7 years, the older child has a faith journey quite different from an infant or preschool child. Older children seeking baptism must attend Sunday Religious Education classes throughout the school year. They also participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), but in a form adapted for children.

Godparents must be willing to stand in for the parents in raising the child in the Catholic Faith. To qualify to be a godparent, the person

• Must be at least 16 years old at the time of the Baptism.
• Must have completed their own Christian initiation through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and not be bound by any canonical penalty.
• If married, must be in a marriage that is recognized as a valid Catholic marriage according to Church law.
• Is not the father or mother of the one to be Baptized.
• Must be a registered and active member of a Catholic parish, and is in good standing with the Church (i.e. receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation when necessary, participates in parish life and Liturgy, particularly in Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation, and faithfully abides by all the Church’s teachings).
• Must have the intention of undertaking the ministry of Godparent/Sponsor, and will continue to lead a life of faith in harmony with the ministry they are undertaking.
• Must have completed an approved class on the Sacrament of Baptism and the liturgical rite attached to its celebration.

Baptisms are usually celebrated during the 11 am Mass on Sundays, and the parents and godparents are expected to be in attendance at the Mass.

To inquire about receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, or to request a copy of Sacramental records, contact us in the Parish Office at (503) 775-6731.  We look foward to talking with you.