I would like to baptize my child. What should I do?

GENERAL GUIDELINES

(1)  Parents of children to be baptized should be members of St. Justin Martyr Parish. The criteria for membership is as follows:

      (i)   They live within the geographical boundaries of the parish;

      (ii)  If living outside the boundaries they can become members by attending and supporting the parish for at least 3 months prior to baptism.

 

(2)  Only the parents can petition the church for baptism of their children. Grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends may pick up the Baptismal Package but the priest will deal with the parents of the child.

 

(3)  The date of baptism will be discussed only at the Baptismal Preparation Session. In order to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism in a meaningful way, we limit the number of children to 6 per baptism. Baptisms are held the second and fourth Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m.

 

(4)  If the child is their first, or if there is a space of 5 years between the child to be baptized and the last child, the parents must participate in a Baptismal Preparation Session held the first Monday of every month. Please complete the registration form before attending the preparation class. 

 

(5)  The parents of the child should be practicing Catholics who attend Sunday Mass regularly. In the case where the parents’ marital status is not in accordance with the Church’s teaching, the couple will be contacted by one of the priests to discuss their situation. A marriage in the Catholic Church is not a necessary condition for your child’s baptism, but it is a very important component of your faith.

 

(6)  Although baptisms are not refused at St. Justin’s, there may be times when they are delayed until various concerns are worked out. Sacraments should not be entered into lightly, or under family pressure, or because they are seen as merely social or cultural events. The priest must be sure that a right understanding and a proper disposition towards the sacrament are evident before he can proceed.

 

(7)  One Catholic Godparent, male or female is sufficient. There may be however two: One of each sex to provide a balance and to reflect the primary environment of the Catholic Christian home. Godparents are intended to be good Catholic Christian witnesses who will help the parents to raise their child in the ways of the faith.

 

(8)  Godparents must be at least 16 years of age, baptized and confirmed, and practicing Catholics

 

(9)  If a Godparent cannot attend the ceremony, a Catholic proxy may stand in for him or her.

 

(10) We would welcome a donation of approximately $50.00