Baptism
Preparing for you child's Baptism at St. Maria Goretti Parish
During the months of pregnancy and preparing to welcome new life into your family, it is important for you as Christian parents to plan for your child's welcome into the Christian Community. The sacrament of Baptism begins your child's faith journey as a Christian. St. Maria Goretti Parish offers a Baptism Preparation Class. We encourage you to participate in this class before your child is born.
For the parents of a first child
STEP 1: As you begin to think about your child's baptism, please call the parish office (271-7421) to sign up for a Baptism Preparation Class. These classes are offered on the first Wednesday of each month. The godparents for your child are welcome to attend this preparation class with you.
STEP 2: Attend the BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS. This class is held in the Church from 7 - 8:15 P.M., usually on the first Wednesday of each month.
STEP 3: After the birth of your child, call the parish office to schedule a date for the baptism.
STEP 4: On the Sunday of the baptism, arrive at the Church by 11:50 A.M. Someone from St. Maria Goretti Parish Baptism Preparation Ministry will greet you and show you to your places in the church.
For parents of a second, third, fourth, etc., child
STEP 1: During the months of pregnancy, take time to reflect once again on the sacrament of Baptism. Renew yourself in the meaning and purpose of this sacrament for your next child. If you have any questions or would like further reflection time with someone from the parish Baptism Preparation Ministry, please do call the parish office. If you have not attended a Baptism Preparation Class previously, we invite you to attend such a class now.
STEP 2: If you have not attended this class before, call the parish office to register for a Baptism Preparation Class. Also contact the parish office to schedule your child's baptism for either the second or fourth Sunday of the month.
STEP 3: Arrive at St. Maria Goretti Church by 11:50 A.M. Someone from the Baptism Preparation Ministry will greet you and show you to your places in the church.
Policies
- The parents (or the Catholic parent, if the parents are of different religions) of the child to be baptized must be registered members of St. Maria Goretti Parish.
- Non-parishioners who wish for their child to be baptized at St. Maria Goretti Parish will need to obtain a letter of delegation from their parish priest to have the child baptized outside of their parish. Also, written verification of having participated in a Baptism Preparation Class in another parish will need to be obtained.
- At least one of the godparents for the child must be Catholic. If there is a non-Catholic godparent, she/he must be baptized in a Christian faith and be of sufficient age and maturity to understand his/her role of supporting the parents in bringing up the child as a Christian.