What is required to have a Baptism?

Before a Baptism is scheduled:

1. Both Parents are required to attend, and Godparents are invited to attend, a baptismal preparation class.  The class is at 10:00 am and is offered in the parish church on the following dates:  (2021) Nov 6, Dec 11, (2022)  Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 2. Note: Sunday, May 15, 1:00pm.
2. Baptisms are celebrated on the availability of the clergy schedule.
3. Parents must complete the Baptismal Information Form.
4. Godparents must submit a Letter of Good Standing from his/her parish even if you are registered here, which must be signed and with the parish seal.
5. To begin this process, please contact Helene Stever as noted below, or fill out and submit the online request: 

What is a Godparent?

A godparent, together with the parent(s), presents a child for baptism. A godparent is ready and able to help the newly baptized on the road of Christian life. He or she should be a mature Catholic who will establish a lifelong faith relationship with the child. 

In the Catholic Church, godparents must:

• be 16 years old or older
• have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation
• be a practicing Catholic (should regularly attend Sunday Mass and be a faithful Catholic)
• If the godparent is married, he/she must be married in the Catholic Church
• Cannot be the parent or the step-parent of the child to be baptized

A child receiving baptism may have one godfather and one godmother. Only one godparent is required, if parents prefer.
Children may instead have one Catholic godparent along with one Christian Witness, a non-Catholic, baptized Christian from another faith tradition (one male and one female).

On the Day of Your Child's Baptism:

• Please arrive at the Church 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the baptism
• The child receiving baptism should wear a white baptismal garment. 
• St. Joseph will provide you with a baptismal stole and candle
• Baptisms at St. Joseph are celebrated privately, with one child per occasion. Family and friends are welcome!
• You are free to take pictures and videos of this important moment. No flash photography, please.
• A $50 sacramental offering towards the cost of supplies (made payable to St Joseph), and a stipend for the celebrant (made payble to the celebrant) are greatly appreciated, however, are not required.
• Please pick up your child's baptismal certificate and a small gift following the baptism.
• Please be assured of our continued prayers and support as your child grows as a disciple of Jesus Christ!

May God bless you and your child abundantly!