BAPTISM

GENERAL INFORMATION

Baptism is a sacrament which effectively signifies and ritualizes one’s initiation into the community called Church and manifests God’s love (grace) for his people. Through God’s unconditional love, the effect of original sin is reconciled and the newly baptized Christian is guided and strengthened in his/her promise of fidelity to Jesus Christ. The symbolic use of oil is an essential sign of the sealing and strengthening of this promise. The use of water is an essential symbol of the purification and new life in Christ which is effected at Baptism.

  • Baptism of Infants and Children

    Our Baptismal Preparation program is for infants and children up to the age of six. Children seven and older will enter into the O.C.I.A (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, adapted for children) Unbaptized children seven and older will make their 1st Communion and be Confirmed at the same time.

  • Registering your child for Baptism

    In Baptism, your child becomes a beloved child of God. We are happy to journey with you and your family during this exciting time! 


    The Lord is drawing your family closer to Him through your child’s baptism. We pray that you are ready to let us help you draw closer to him! To begin this baptismal journey with your child, you should:

    1. Register in the parish if you are not already registered.
    2. Register all children in the household from age 5 to 18, who have not yet been confirmed, in our Faith Formation Program. *
    3. After completing the first two steps, Introduce yourself to the pastor at a weekend Mass to receive the Baptismal Request Form.
    4. Complete the Baptism Request Form along with a copy of your childs birth certificate drop it off a the parish office or at the information desk in the Narthex of the church when attending weekend Mass.
    5. After meeting the Pastor and submitting the Baptism Registration Form, you will be contacted with information on the next scheduled Baptism Preparation Program.
    6. Parents and Godparents complete the Baptism Preparation Program

    The Baptism will be scheduled no sooner than two months after the request was made and  once all the above has been completed. Baptisms generally take place following the last Mass on Sunday.. We try to avoid scheduling Baptisms during the Season of Lent.

  • Documents Needed

    • If you are not yet a registered member of the parish, you will first need to register. (If you are an active member of another Catholic Church, a letter of permission will be requred from your Pastor for the Baptism to take place at St. Matthew.)
    • You will need to complete a Baptismal Request Form
    • Provide a legal, copy of your child's Birth Certificate

  • Godparents

    In choosing Godparents please keep in mind the following requirements:


    • Must be at least 16 years of age
    • Must be a baptized Catholic who has completed the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation
    • May not be the parent of the child being baptized
    • If married, must be married in the Catholic Church
    • Regularly attending Mass on Sunday
    • Living their Faith
    • A baptized non-catholic may not be a godparent but may serve as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent.
    • Non-baptized persons may not serve as witnesses or godparents.

    NUMBER OF GODPARENTS

    There can be ONLY 2 Godparents

    or

    1 Godparent and 1 Christian Witness


    Please download the Godparent Sponsor Form to be completed by the Godparent and to be signed by the Pastor of the Catholic Church they attend.


    GODPARENT SPONSOR FORM

  • * Baptismal Responsibility

    The following is the reason all children in the household are to be registered in Faith Formation:


    "In asking for Baptism for your children, you are undertaking the responsibility of raising them in the faith, so that keeping God's commandments, they may love the Lord and their neighbor as Christ has taught us. Do you understand this responsibility?"


    PARENTS: "We do."


    (To the godparents) "Are you ready to help the parents of these children in their duty?"

    GODPARENTS: "We are"


    "Dear children, the Church of God receives you with great joy. In her name I sign you with the Sign of the Cross of Christ our Savior; then, after me, your parents and godparents will do the same."


    - from the order of Baptism of Children