Sacrament of Baptism

Congratulations!  As you begin this grace-filled and exciting time, some preparation is required along the way!  We recommend expectant parents begin to plan well in advance (4-6 months) so that once your child is born you are ready and prepared for this special day.

Baptismal Preparation for Parents of infants / children under the age of 7:

____ Six months before: 

__   Read carefully the requirements below

__   Register in the parish and all members of your household
__   Contact the parish office to begin planning
__  Register for Baptismal Preparation for Parents (held every other month)
__  Prayerfully consider Catholic Godparents (*See below) and request they begin obtaining letters

____ Three to two months before the Baptism:  Confirm a baptismal Date by contacting us.
Baptisms are generally held on the Second Sunday of Each Month, Parents and Godparents should plan to attend the 11:00 AM Mass as the Baptisms begin immediately after Mass ends. 
2023 Dates are:  July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10.

____ Two weeks before (or anytime earlier) all of the following must be delivered to the parish office, no later.

1. Baptismal Registration form (obtained at Baptismal Preparation for Parents) with the following attached:
   

   2.  A Photocopy of child's birth record with full names for Baptismal Documentation purposes

   3. Godparent Letter 1

   4.  Godparent Letter 2

   5.  Certificate of Attendance at Baptismal PREP if other than St. John's

 *GODPARENT REQUIREMENTS AND LETTERS OF ELIGIBILITY
Generally, there should be two Catholic Godparents, one man one woman.   

However, the following are acceptable:

 - Only One Catholic Godparent*; OR 

- Two Persons, One Catholic Godparent*, & One Christian Witness**(one man, one woman)   

Each person must provide a Letter of Eligibility from their Pastor
(originals only with parish seal/Pastor's signature)

A Catholic Godparent* must be:

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

2. at least 16 years of age 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)

5. If unmarried, living single, not living together as a couple

**A Christian Witness must be:     
- 16 years of age or older; Fully initiated in the Christian faith as prescribed by the Christian church where they are members            and Practicing their Christian Faith                                    

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

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

ON THE DAY OF YOUR CHILD'S BAPTISM

Please attend 11:00 AM Mass and invite your family!

Family and Friends are encouraged to attend your child’s baptism, the first Sacrament of Initiation.  Guests unable to attend Mass may wait outside of Church while Mass is being said. 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. There is a break in center of church within the pews 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