Preparing for Baptism

Welcome to Our Parish!  To Begin preparing for your child's baptism in the Catholic Church, allow us to begin helping you prepare.  Baptisms are held on Sundays in the church after the 11:00 AM Mass.

There are practical and spiritual steps in preparation which generally require 6-8 weeks prior to the date to complete.  We recommend parents begin to plan while expecting for this reason. 

If you are a parent seeking infant baptism (or a preschool age child), click here

If you are a Potential Godparent, click here

If you are an Adult seeking Baptism, click here

If your child between the ages of 7-18 is seeking Baptism, click here

Who can I ask to be Godparent and what is required? 
A Letter of Eligibility.

Prayerfully consider Godparents and have them each request a "Letter of Eligibility" from their pastor. Only Original, current signed and sealed Letters may be submitted, from a candidate who is:

1. A Practicing Catholic (regularly attending Mass, receiving Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Penance & Reconciliation;
accepting and living the norms of Catholic Teaching AND

2. at least 16 years or older, AND

3. fully initiated Catholic, meaning, having received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, AND

4. If married, married sacramentally in the Catholic Church (not civilly or married in another Church or denomination)

 If unmarried, living single, not living together/cohabitating

I only have one Godparent.  Is that acceptable?

Yes.  A child should have Two Catholic Godparents (one man, one woman), or, may have one.

Also acceptable is:

- One Catholic Godparent, & One Christian Witness (one man, one woman. 

A person who is practicing as a Christian (not a former Catholic) may stand as a Christian Witness when the other Godparent is Catholic  (One man, one woman). 

An Eligible Christian Witness is:                                                               

- 16 years of age or older; 

- Fully initiated in the Christian faith as prescribed by the Christian church where they are members                                                     

- Practicing their Christian Faith regularly                                       

- Able to provide a letter of recommendation from their pastor to stand as Christian Witness for baptism. 

Finally, please note:

An inactive Catholic, that is, a baptized and initiated Catholic who is not practicing their faith, and not a participating member of a parish, that cannot acquire a Letter of Eligibility, also cannot be considered a Christian Witness. Also, A non-baptized or non-Christian person cannot stand as a Christian Witness.

I believe I have everything in order and am ready to confirm a date with the office.

Great!  Once

1) Pre-Jordan is complete,

2) you have received (both) Original Godparent Letters of Eligibility,

3) you have completed the Baptismal Registration Form and attached the birth record and letters of Eligibility, then

4) Visit the Rectory with the forms completed to set the date

(call in advance of your visit, 215-482-4600). 

A date may not be scheduled without all Letters and Registrations submitted and complete. Baptismal Registration Forms are available at the Rectory if you have BOTH Godparent Letters of Eligibility Ready. 

Baptisms are held on the Second Sunday of the Month in Church after the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR CHILD'S BAPTISM

Please attend 11:00 AM Mass and invite your family!  A pew will be reserved for your family near the break.

Family and Friends are encouraged to attend.  There is no set time that mass ends, therefore we ask the Godparents, parents and their child to be present and attend the 11:00 AM Mass so the Baptism may begin promptly.
Additional Guests may enter the church after the Mass is over and the congregation has exited church. Please do not bring food and/or drinks into church. 

Facilities

There is a restroom in the church vestibule and our church is handicapped accessible. The break in center of church within the pews is for disabled and wheelchair access, at the Baptismal Font area. Strollers may be kept in the church vestibule or rear of church, and clear of the aisles. The church is not air conditioned. 

Parking

Enter our Church Parking Lot on 4211 Cresson Street. The lot closes and is gated after the Baptisms end, please ask your guests to move their car or it may be towed when the lot closes for the day.

Handicapped only spots are available adjacent to church main entrance on Rector Street, marked with signs to the ramped entrance. There are also several handicapped parking spots in front of church on Rector Street.