Baptism

Baptism of Children Under the Age of 7

Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Holy Spirit and the door through which we enter in order to receive the other Sacraments.

Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God. We become members of Christ and are incorporated into the Church. Through this Sacrament, we are made sharers in the Church’s mission. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)

Welcome to St. John’s, we are glad you are considering us as the spiritual home for your family. Our hope for your family during the Baptismal process of your child is twofold: first, our hope is that you would get to know other Catholic parents as they, too, come to the Church for the Sacrament of Baptism and begin to nurture faith into their family. Our second hope is that you learn something more about the Sacrament of Baptism, its origins and the signs and symbols of the Rite itself.

  1. Fill out the Registration Form
  2. Attend a Baptism Prep Class
  3. Fill out legal paperwork for records

Once all 3 steps are completed, you are registered for an upcoming Rite of Baptism based on the schedule on the right. Our suggestion is to complete the first 3 steps prior to the birth or adoption of your child. It can be more difficult to juggle class between the arrival of your little one and the date you desire Baptism. The office will need about 1 month to process the information.

First Step: We need to know that you are interested in Baptism for your child. Please fill out the Registration Form. This will begin your process with us. Someone from the office will then contact you via email or phone to follow up with any additional information that may be needed to confirm your class date.

Second Step: Attend a Baptism Prep Class held on Mondays in the beginning of the month from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

As Church law requires, parents and sponsors need to be properly instructed in the meaning and obligations of the Sacrament (Canon 851). There must also be a founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith. (Canon 868)

We accomplish this by offering a relaxed environment where you can get to know other couples and find out more about the Sacrament of Baptism. (If you have been to our class here at SJB within the last 3 years you can indicate that on the Registration Form. Someone will contact you to fill out the legal paperwork.)

Our Baptism Prep Class sessions are offered on the 1st Monday of each month from 7:00-8:30 pm. Our facilitator will use segments from the Reborn series as the class content. In preparation for your class, you will view a video online called “A New Creation”. The Reborn series is offered through formed.org. A 2nd video will be viewed and discussed during class.

We prefer both parents to attend the Baptism Prep class, but we realize important things can get in the way. To make this more feasible, childcare is provided. Please contact Deacon Michael Lane at lanem@stjohnnyb.org to reserve your spot.

Third Step: Fill out legal documentation regarding the details we need for your child’s Baptismal Record. Upon completion of the Baptism Prep Class, you will be sent the paperwork to fill out. Either scan and email the paperwork to Deacon Michael Lane at lanem@sthjohnnyb.org  or mail it to the office. We cannot move forward with the Baptism without this information. On the legal documentation, you will put your selected Baptism date. There are limited spots available.

Additional Information:

Baptism Requirements Printable Document
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