Requesting infant baptism is a personal act of faith. It is a great celebration, but also a serious responsibility as we seek to pass the faith on to our children.
Parents are encouraged to begin the process of planning baptism as early as possible, even before the birth of the child. The parish will keep your information on file, and be ready to schedule the baptism when you are ready.
The sacrament of baptism can be celebrated at any time, but is usually on the weekend during a mass, at an approved time on a Saturday, or after the last mass on Sunday. All scheduled baptisms must be approved through the parish office. Outside priests and deacons are welcome to do baptisms at St. Mary, but must be approved by the pastor and arranged through the parish office. If your family is not registered at a parish, you are invited to register at St. Mary. We will help you to complete this process. Please note that parents who grew up at St. Mary should register their family in their names. If you are registered at another parish beside St. Mary, permission is required from the proper pastor.
To begin the process for baptism, contact or stop by the parish office. The infant baptism form can be found on the parish website. Complete the form as best you can. We will review the form and help with any have questions that you may have. Please provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate. You must also verify the requirements for the godparents. We will schedule the baptism with the priest or deacon when all the necessary information is received.
If this is the first time you are having a child baptized, baptismal preparation is required. This is a time to review the meaning of baptism and what it means for the child, parents, godparents, and family. It is a time to reflect on the gift our Catholic faith. We will arrange to schedule this meeting with the priest or deacon. If this is not the first time you are having a child baptized, you may not have to participate in a meeting, depending on your situation. If you live out of town, you may participate in baptism preparation through another parish and provide us with written verification once completed.
Meanwhile, pray as a family for your child in this time leading up to their baptism that they may come to know the Lord Jesus and grow into a mature and active faith in the years ahead.
Also, pray for a renewal of your own faith as you experience the awesome gift of life and think about your hopes and dreams for your child’s future.
Bring the child’s baptismal gown or garment with you to church. You will dress the child as part of the baptism ceremony. You may also bring your own baptismal candle; it may be one that has been used for other baptisms. Otherwise, the parish will provide a candle.
Before the mass or baptism ceremony begins, have the child stripped down to their underwear, training pants, or onesy. Infants may also be stripped naked, but they must be covered in a blanket until the time of the pouring of the water. This is up to the discretion of the family. The family will be invited to dress the child at the appropriate time.
Towards the end of the ceremony, the minister will invite someone, (usually one of the godparents) to light the baptismal candle from the Easter candle.
Photos and videos are welcome during baptisms, as long as they aren’t a distraction to the celebration. The priest or deacon is happy to be in photos after the mass or ceremony.
If baptism is celebrated during mass, please connect with the priest or assistant, so that they know you are present, where you are seated, and to receive final instructions.
If baptism is celebrated after a mass, the family is encouraged to attend the mass prior to the baptism. After the mass ends, please gather in the area of the baptism font at the Elm Street entrance of the church. Give time for the congregation to disperse and the minister of baptism to make his final preparations. When the priest or deacon arrives, please let them know if you are still waiting for guests or family to arrive.
Following the ceremony or mass, families will receive a baptism certificate with an envelope. Please examine it immediately to check for errors. If there is an error, let the priest or deacon know so that we can make a new certificate.
If you decide after the baptism to accept the parish gift of a children’s New Testament Bible, please contact the parish office.
Congratulations as you celebrate baptism! Know that St. Mary parish is here to help you in your own faith and spiritual life, as well as that of your family. Please contact us if we can help you. It is an honor to have a part in this very special moment in your life as believers who seek to be joyful missionary disciples in this time and place!