Infant Baptism

This page is intended for information regarding the baptism of children before the age of reason (age 7).

All baptisms take place in the church.

All requirements need to be fulfilled to be able to set a date for the baptism of your child.

Requirements

Before your child's baptism takes place, we will need:

• Copy of baby’s birth certificate from the county
• A letter of permission to baptize is required from your parish if coming from an outside parish.
• Parents and godparents have to attend a Baptism preparation class.
• Godparents MUST provide proof of First Communion and Confirmation. If married, proof of Catholic marriage and Confirmation.
• If Sponsors are from outside the parish we need a letter of reference/permission. 

QUALIFICATIONS TO SERVE AS SPONSOR (GODPARENT)

The role of the sponsor of Godparent is, “together who the parent and infant at baptism, and… help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it”. (Canon 872)

One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex. (Canon 873)

Thus the church has established the following norms governing the qualifications needed to be a sponsor or Godparent. They must: be sixteen (16) years of age, “be a Catholic who has been Confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken. (Canon 874) - “not be the father or mother of the child being baptized.” (Canon 874)

Only the Godfather and/or Godmother can be baptismal sponsors (Canon 873). In addition, “a baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may not be admitted except as a witness to baptism and together with a Catholic sponsor.” (Canon 874.2)

If sponsors are from outside the parish, a letter of reference/permission from the proper parish is required.