If I am not Catholic can I have my child baptized in the Catholic Church?
If one parent is Catholic then the child may be baptized in the Catholic Church. If neither adult is Catholic then we invite you to participate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and learn about the Catholic faith. Your child will be received into the faith when you are.
Do I have to be a registered member of the parish in order to have my child baptized at St. Jude?
You must be a registered member of the parish for three months before children are baptized.
What is required of the parents who wish to have their child Baptized?
What is a Sponsor/Godparent?
It is an honor to ask someone to make a lifelong commitment to help your child grow in the Catholic faith. One Godparent is required to be a model and friend for the child being baptized. This adult is a support to the family in bringing up the child in the Catholic faith. More responsibilities are listed on the Godparent page.
What is a Christian Witness/Proxy?
The Witness or Proxy is someone you choose that practices a Christian religion and they are standing in for the Sponsor who is not able to attend the ceremony.
Is there a requirement of what I should name my baby?
Many Catholic families choose the name of a saint or a biblical name to give their child. You are not obliged to name your child after a saint, but the church encourages you to choose a name that reflects your own faith.
How soon after my child is born should I schedule the Baptism?
It has been a tradition in the Catholic Church to have an infant baptized within the first year of life.
My spouse is not Catholic. Does he/she have to attend the preparation class?
We ask that both parents attend the preparation class regardless of church affiliation. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the sacrament of Baptism and how we celebrate it in the Catholic Church.
We have had other children baptized. Do we still need to attend the Baptism Preparation class?
You may be considered exempt from taking the class if you have a child baptized into the Catholic faith, or have taken a Baptism Prep class within the last year. This exemption is given by the Parish Pastor.
When are Baptisms celebrated at St. Jude?
Baptisms are scheduled on most Saturday’s during the year at 3:30pm in the main sanctuary.
What must my child wear for their Baptism?
It is preferable that infants where something white and loose fitting for their Baptism. A symbolic stole is given to the children at their Baptism.
May we take photographs during the ceremony?
No flash photography may be taken during the ceremony. Opportunities for picture taking will be given at the end of the ceremony.
Will I be notified of the date of my child’s Baptism?
You will be notified if you don’t receive your first choice of dates.
For more information on the sacrament of baptism, please contact:
Julie Buchanan ([email protected]) - For children 7 years old or older or
Sara Walsh ([email protected]) - For infants (birth to 6 years old)