Congratulations on your child’s Baptism.  Baptism is a once in a lifetime event. It is a time of birth, the moment of new life, a new beginning. The day of your child’s Baptism is a day of hope, a day of promise, a day of joy. The entire Christian community joins you in your day of celebration. Through Baptism, your child begins to share the life of Christ with all other Christians. 

St. Anne Parish is here to assist you to prepare for the first Sacrament. In the following pages, you will find the answers to some of your questions about the Sacrament of Baptism. At any time you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish for assistance. We look forward to your celebration of Baptism.

Parents seeking Baptism for their child must be registered and active in the parish for four months before scheduling the Baptism.  Preparation class is mandatory for both the parents and godparents. Please contact the parish office to schedule a time to meet with the Priest for this class. If the godparent(s) is out of town, he or she may attend a class at their local parish and send us a letter of good standing from their parish. The form is included in this packet. It is not recommended for Grandparents to be Godparents for a child. They may be a proxy (stand in). The Pastor will be more than happy to explain the reasoning for this if you have questions. 

Before a Baptism date can be set, all papers must be completed including the questionnaire and returned to the Parish office. Also, the Baptism class must be attended. After all this is completed, a Baptism date will be set.

Baptisms usually take place on Sunday, after the 10:30 am Mass, in the church. Please invite your family and friends to join in this celebration.

If your child is over the age of 7 and seeking Baptism, please contact the Pastor. For adults age 18 and up seeking Baptism, please see the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a Baptismal preparation class, can’t we just show up and have our child baptized?
Baptism is a major event and thus careful preparation is needed. Baptism places serious responsibilities and demands on parents and godparents. You have a right to know these responsibilities and the Baptismal preparation class will provide these answers.

What can we expect to learn from the class?
Parents and godparents will be given practical guidance in introducing their small children into our Catholic Faith as well as discussing the lifelong commitments of Christian parenting. You will also learn about the elements of baptism, as well as the ritual, sign and symbols of the sacrament.

Do both parents have to attend the class? 
Yes, both should attend the class. If the godparents live in the area they also may attend the class. 

What are the requirements of the godparents? 
Canon Law requires a godparent to be a practicing Catholic who has been Baptized, Confirmed and receiving the Eucharist. They must be living a life consistent with their Baptismal vows.

What if my choice of godparent is not Catholic? 
One godparent must be Catholic. Someone may serve as a Christian witness if they are not Catholic as long as they are Baptized.

What happens after the class?
After the class has been attended and the paperwork has been returned, the Baptism date will be set.

What does it cost?
The church does not charge a fee for the class. A customary stole fee for the celebrant is appreciated at the discretion of the parents. Your weekly support of the church is enough.

the following items are required for baptism:

The Baptismal Information Form must be completed.
The Certificates to Serve as Godparents must be complete, sign by the Pastor of the Church they attend along with the seal of the Church. A copy of the birth certificate of the child to be baptized is required before the baptism. This should be brought to the baptismal class.

Godparents who are married must provide proof of a valid
marriage.
A copy of their marriage certificate is required or proof of marriage validation. Godparents are to provide a copy of baptismal and confirmation record. Parents must also furnish a copy of the marriage certificate.

Parents and godparents must attend a baptism class.
If the godparents are from another parish, and are unable to attend the St. Anne baptismal class, they must submit a letter signed by their pastor that they have attended a baptism class in their home parish.

If the parents of the child are not members of St. Anne Parish, they must obtain a letter of permission from the pastor of their home parish to perform the baptism at St. Anne Parish and permission from the pastor of St. Anne Parish.

The date of the baptism will not be set until all requirements are met.

the following items are required for baptism:

The Catholic Church provides detailed guidelines that must be obeyed. To be admitted as a godparent, a person must:

• Be appointed by the candidate or by the parents and suitable for the role.

• Be not less than 16 years old.

• Be a Catholic who has been Baptized, Confirmed and receiving the Eucharist and who lives a life of faith.

• Not be the father or the mother of the person being baptized.

• A person who belongs to a non‐Catholic ecclesial (church) community may be admitted only as a witness to the baptism and not as a godparent.

• If married, was married in the Catholic Church or have had their marriage validated by the Catholic Church.

The following is a list of personal characteristics that disqualify a person as a godparent.

• The person has no intention of fulfilling the obligation as a godparent.

• The person is younger than 16 years of age.

• The person is not a Catholic

• The person has not received the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic faith.

• The person has not received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic faith

• The person has not received the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist in the Catholic faith.

• The person is not living his faith in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church

• Involved in a common law marriage.

• The person is a heretic.

• The person is involved in an invalid marriage

• The person is not registered with a parish