Frequently Asked Questions

Under ordinary circumstances, parents should see to the Baptism of their infants within the first few weeks: “As soon as possible after birth, even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child and to be themselves prepared for it.” (Canon #876) The first consideration in determining the time is the welfare of the child, “within the first weeks after birth,” may be interpreted to allow for special family considerations, for example, allowing the parents and other family members time to adjust to the new arrival and scheduling the participation of extended family and friends who may have to travel some distance. On the other hand, the Baptism should not be unduly delayed.

A child who has not yet celebrated their 7th birthday is considered an “infant” in regards to baptism within the Catholic Church. As long as your child is less than seven years of age, the process and requirements are the same. Depending on the understanding and maturity of your child, this might be a wonderful opportunity for them to share in the preparation for the sacrament.

If your child is seven or older, we will work with you to find the best pathway that leads your child to the sacrament of Baptism – and the other sacraments – and will depend on the age of the child. In this case, please contact the Parish Office. 

Yes, you must be a registered and active member of the parish. Baptisms are celebrations of the Catholic community where you worship, and so you should celebrate with your home parish.

Yes. At least one of the parents should be a practicing Catholic willing to commit to the task of rearing their child in the faith of the Church. Parents should accept that they are the first and foremost teachers of the faith.

The precepts of the Church are minimum requirements in prayer and moral effort that are expected of the baptized (CCC 2041–2043). They are:  

• On Sundays and holy days of obligation, attend Mass and rest from servile labor;  
• Confess your sins at least once a year;  
• Receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least once during the Easter season;  
• Observe the days of fasting and abstinence from meat established by the Church; and 
•  Help provide for the needs of the Church.  

If one of the parents is a practicing Catholic, as long as the other parent is in agreement, the child can be Baptized. There must also be a well-founded expectation that the child will be brought up in the Catholic tradition.

They represent the larger Catholic community. They, along with the priest and the parents, welcome the child to the community and signify that welcome by marking the child with the sign of the cross. As a community, we are obliged to protect this newest member: guiding, advising, and nurturing the child as he or she progresses in the understanding of faith. The godparents pledge to continually support the parents so that they can successfully rear the child in the practice of the Catholic faith. They pledge to the parents to bolster them in times of discouragement and to celebrate with them in times of joy. Godparents need to be actively involved in the Catholic tradition because they serve as models and guides to the child and the parents.

Whether you select very close friends or family members as godparents for your child, it is a very personal decision. However, the Church does ask that certain requirements be met.

In order to be a Catholic godparent, a person must be:

At least 16 years of age;
A practicing Catholic who is Baptized and confirmed and has received First Holy Communion;
Someone other than the parents of the child to be Baptized;
And leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to assume.

You must have one Catholic godparent who has celebrated Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female.

Yes, a godparent, by definition, is necessarily Catholic – thus all godparents are Catholic. A Baptized Christian from another Christian denomination may serve as “Christian witness.” Jews, Muslims, and believers from other world religions may not serve either as godparents or Christian witnesses under normal circumstances but are always welcome to participate in the celebration.