St. John the Apostle Catholic Church

Infant Baptism Requirements

GENERAL INFORMATION


  • The Church recommends that infants be baptized soon after they are born.
  • The Church permits the baptism of infants so long as there is "a well-founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion." That hope does not mean exclusively that they will be faithful to church attendance, but more broadly that they will live a Christian life and see the Catholic faith as their church.
  • Baptism, like the other Sacraments, is intended to be a community celebration. Therefore, private Baptisms are only done as an exception and for a just cause.
  • A $25 fee is required for the Baptism Preparation class. Your payment should be made at the time you register for the class in the Church office. NO MONEY CAN BE ACCEPTED AT THE CLASS OR AT THE BAPTISM (unless you wish to give a gift to the minister after the Baptism).
  • No one will be denied Baptism because of lack of money. The required fee only covers the expenses of the class.
  • Persons who are registered in another parish, and wish to have their child baptized at St. Johns for a just cause, MUST have the permission of their pastor and must have attended a Baptism Preparation class either at St. Johns or at their home parish.

THE FOLLOWING IS NOT REQUIRED:

  • Parents married in the church or that parents are married at all.
  • Birth certificates 
  • Donations from sponsors or gift to the minister.
  • Permission letters from the pastor of sponsor couples.

PARENTS

  • Must be registered members of  St. Johns for at least three (3) months before the Baptism.
  • Must attend a Baptism Preparation class at St. John's - BE SURE TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THE CLASS SIGN IN SHEET. This is the only record that you have attended the class.
  • Must submit a completed Baptismal Information Sheet.
  • Turn in completed form to Administration Office as soon as possible to confirm Baptism date.
  • A Baptismal Certificate will be mailed to the address provided on the form within a month.
  • Without a form there is no baptism and we will not be able to issue a Baptismal Certificate.
  • One (1) form for EACH child who will be Baptized.
  • Must have AT LEAST one (1) godparent but you may have two (2). If you have two (2), there must be one male and one female.
  • IF YOU PLAN TO HOLD THE BAPTISM ELSEWHERE: You need a letter from St. John's to the parish where the sacrament will be administered confirming you have completed this class. The form to request this letter is on the table. 

GODPARENTS

  • Godparents are encouraged to attend the Baptism Preparation class, but it is not required to be a godparent at St. Johns. There is no additional fee for sponsors if they attend class along with parents.
  • Must be sixteen (16) years of age or older.
  • Must have been confirmed and received their first Eucharist.
  • If they are married, they must have been married in the Catholic Church by a priest or a deacon (or received a dispensation from the bishop).
  • Must be a practicing Catholic, i.e. attending a Catholic Church REGULARLY and be a member in good standing.
  • May not be the father or mother of the child.
  • Name(s) of godparent(s) must be provided on Baptismal Information Form along with the name of the parish where they are practicing members.
  • A non-Catholic may be admitted as a "Christian Witness" together with a Catholic godparent.