Baptism

The steps involved include:

1. Calling Jen Mayer at 410-647-4892 who will take information about you and your family and your goals for baptism.
   
2. Attending the Baptismal Preparation Class if you have not attended it in the past 2 years or attended the class at another parish.
   
3. Selecting Godparents and providing documentation that they are eligible to serve.
   
4. Arranging a date for the baptism.

Baptismal preparation classes provide parents with information on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations associated with it. They also allow parents to reflect on their own spiritual journey, what it means to take on the role or primary teacher of the faith to their child, and how the church can assist them in that endeavor.

Baptism Classes are typically held once a month on Sundays at Noon. The classes may be held in a host couple's home. You need only attend one session. Typically the classes last about 2 hours. If your schedule does not permit you to attend one of these sessions, please contact Jen Mayer, as we can offer sessions at other times if needed. You must pre-register for the class of your choice. If the session is being held off-site, we will give you directions at that time.

The next sessions will be
January 22, 2012 - Noon - Youth Room
February 26, 2012 - Noon - Host Couple's Home
March 18, 2012 - Noon - Host Couple's Home

We recommend attending the class before the birth of your child if possible, as you will be more rested and alert.

Canon Law allows for two (2) Godparents of Record - One female and one male.

Catholics serving as Godparents must:

1. Be mature enough to undertake this responsibility.
   
2. Have received the three sacraments of initiation, namely Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
   
3. Be at least 16 years old (or have the pastors permission).
   
4. Know the fundamentals of the faith and be a practicing Catholic who goes to Mass on Sunday.
   
5. Be canonically free to carry out the office.
   
6. Not be parents of the child.

Being a Godparent is not just an honor given to a good friend or relative. Being a Godparent requires a real appreciation and personal practice of the faith, as well as a sense of responsibility toward the person being baptized. Therefore, one should not ask a relative to be a Godparent simply because he or she is a relative.

It is the policy of St. John's that each Catholic Godparent provide a certification of eligibility. This verification can be obtained from his or her home parish and should be turned in to St. Johns at least 10 days prior to the baptism.

Baptisms are generally scheduled:

1. On various Sundays of the Month (outside of Lent, Advent, and Christmas Seasons) at the Saturday 5:15 PM, Sunday Noon, or Sunday 5:15 PM masses, provided there is no other special event taking place at the particular mass. Only one family will be scheduled at a given mass.

2. On the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sunday of the month at 1:30 pm. Between one and four families may be scheduled each Sunday. These services include just the baptism, so you would need to attend mass at another time that weekend.

   Conflicts sometimes occur with this general pattern of scheduling, so please contact Jen Mayer at 410-647-4892 to verify the availability of your intended date before contacting guests.
   

Although it is ideal to have your child baptized at your home parish, we understand that there may be circumstances in which it would be more convenient for a relative if the baptism were here at St. John's. We ask that you go through the baptismal preparation process at your home church and get a letter from them giving our parish permission to perform the baptism.

If you have further questions about arranging a baptism at St. Johns, please contact Jen Mayer using the contact page or at 410-647-4892.