FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How old does my child need to be?
Baptism can take place at any age, most commonly infants, toddlers, and children up to the age of 7 years old.
Who can be Godparents?
A Catholic who is baptized, confirmed and practicing their faith. At least 16 years old. If there are two godparents, one must be male and one female. A Christian from another denomination may act as a Christian witness: however, it is necessary to have one Catholic godparent. You may have only one Christian witness.
What does a godparent do?
The role of the godparent is to nurture the child in their faith. They are called to assist the parents in raising the child in the faith and modeling a Catholic Christian life. The godparent assumes no legal responsibility for the child.
What if the godparent is unable to be present at the time of the Baptism?
A ‘proxy’ may be selected to witness the Baptism on behalf of the godparent. The name of the godparent will be in the parish records, along with the name of the proxy who witnessed the Baptism. The proxy must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic.
Is there a fee to Baptize my child?
No, there is no specific fee. If you wish, a charitable donation can be made to the parish.
What is the Parish's photo policy during the ceremony?
We invite you to assign one member of your party to be your photographer. Please be discreet and respectful in taking pictures during the celebration, and mindful of others' privacy.
Baptismal Candle
The parish provides a Baptismal Candle; however families are welcome to bring their own new candle to the Baptism, if they wish.
Certificate of Baptism
A certificate of Baptism will be given to each family at the time of the Baptism. The baptismal register will be updated with all information on the certificate the week following the Baptism.
Baptismal Garment
The Rite of Baptism references a white garment. Please clothe your child in some kind of white article; that might be a sleeper, a traditional baptismal gown, or for older children, a white blouse or dress shirt.
Gifts to be Blessed
Your child may be presented with a religious gift such as a crucifix. Advise the baptism team, and they will arrange for the presider to bless the item before or after the Baptism celebration.
Baptism can take place at any age, most commonly infants, toddlers, and children up to the age of 7 years old.
Who can be Godparents?
A Catholic who is baptized, confirmed and practicing their faith. At least 16 years old. If there are two godparents, one must be male and one female. A Christian from another denomination may act as a Christian witness: however, it is necessary to have one Catholic godparent. You may have only one Christian witness.
What does a godparent do?
The role of the godparent is to nurture the child in their faith. They are called to assist the parents in raising the child in the faith and modeling a Catholic Christian life. The godparent assumes no legal responsibility for the child.
What if the godparent is unable to be present at the time of the Baptism?
A ‘proxy’ may be selected to witness the Baptism on behalf of the godparent. The name of the godparent will be in the parish records, along with the name of the proxy who witnessed the Baptism. The proxy must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic.
Is there a fee to Baptize my child?
No, there is no specific fee. If you wish, a charitable donation can be made to the parish.
What is the Parish's photo policy during the ceremony?
We invite you to assign one member of your party to be your photographer. Please be discreet and respectful in taking pictures during the celebration, and mindful of others' privacy.
Baptismal Candle
The parish provides a Baptismal Candle; however families are welcome to bring their own new candle to the Baptism, if they wish.
Certificate of Baptism
A certificate of Baptism will be given to each family at the time of the Baptism. The baptismal register will be updated with all information on the certificate the week following the Baptism.
Baptismal Garment
The Rite of Baptism references a white garment. Please clothe your child in some kind of white article; that might be a sleeper, a traditional baptismal gown, or for older children, a white blouse or dress shirt.
Gifts to be Blessed
Your child may be presented with a religious gift such as a crucifix. Advise the baptism team, and they will arrange for the presider to bless the item before or after the Baptism celebration.