Baptism

Baptizing Your Child Ages 0-6

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” – Matthew 28:19-20

Congratulations on the birth of your child! We at Saint Clement Catholic Church are so pleased that you are desirous of having your baby Baptized. The Baptism of your child provides an opportunity to examine your own Christian life and spirituality. You are saying that you want to share your living Catholic Christian faith with your child; this is a serious commitment to raise your child within the community of believers and to educate them in the truths of the Catholic faith.

It is presumed that a central part of this commitment be weekly Mass attendance. If parents are not able to make this commitment at this time they should consider their motivation and reasons for baptizing their child.

Baptismal Preparation Process Step by Step Guide for Children Six and younger

 

Welcome! Thank you for inquiring about Baptism here at Saint Clement. We are excited for you and look forward to journeying with you as you prepare for this exciting time in your family’s life.

 

Here is a step by step guide to help through preparation process for Baptism.

 

Step 1 – Parish Registration

If a family is not already a registered member of Saint Clement, the Parishioner Form can be found here or at the Parish Office Monday – Thursday 8am to 3pm or Fridays 8am to 2pm. It is also available at the Welcome Center in the Narthex of the church before and after each Weekend Mass.

If your family is registered at another Catholic church, we would ask for a letter of permission from your Pastor giving permission for your child’s baptism to take place here at Saint Clement.

 

Step 2 – Baptism Registration Form

This form asks for basic information regarding the name of the child to be baptized as well as information on parents and godparents. Please complete our online Baptism Request Form or by coming to the Parish Office Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9am to 1pm.

 

 

Step 3 – Certificate of Completion of Baptism Class from Parents

The parents of the child would have an opportunity to participate in our Baptism Classes here at Saint Clement. These classes are designed to be interactive and provide opportunities for learning, meeting other parents, and deepening your own spiritual life.

 

Those parents who have completed baptism classes at Saint Clement less than a year from the date of Baptism are not required to take another baptism class.

 

Parents also have the option of attending a Baptism Class at another parish. Parents that choose this option would need to return a certificate or letter of completion from the other parish to our Baptism Coordinator. A baptism class from another parish would need to be completed less than a year from the date of Baptism.

 

Step 4 – Godparent Eligibility Form

This form is only for Godparents who belong to a parish other than Saint Clement. A separate form is needed for each godparent. The top of this form can be filled out by each Godparent. The form can then be brought to the Godparent’s parish of registration to complete the bottom of the form. This form can then be returned to Saint Clement. Each family has a few options when it comes to godparents and Christian Witnesses:

 

• Godparent/Christian Witness Options
• A child may be baptized with:
• One godparent (a godfather or a godmother).
• One godparent and a Christian Witness of the opposite gender of the godparent.
  

•  Here are the minimum requirements for being a godparent:
• Baptized, Confirmed, and have received First Communion in the Catholic Church.
• Age 16 or over.
• If married, are married in the Catholic Church, have had the marriage convalidated, or received proper permissions from the couple’s Pastor and/or Bishop for a marriage to be recognized by the Catholic Church.
• If single, not cohabitating with someone outside of marriage.
• Not the parents of the child being baptized.
• Registered at a Catholic Church and regular participation in Mass.
• Reception of the sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) at least once a year.
• Those who have been baptized Catholic and are practicing another Christian tradition are not eligible to be a godparent.

 

• Notes about Christian Witnesses
• If a family chooses to have a Christian Witness, the Christian Witness does not need to complete a Baptism Class but will need to submit a Proof of Baptism. This can be a baptismal certificate or a letter from the church of baptism.
• Those who have been baptized Catholic and are practicing another Christian tradition are not eligible to be a Christian Witness.

 

Step 6 – Godparent Certificate of Completion for Baptismal/Godparent Class

Each Godparent would need to show completion of a Godparent/Baptismal class. If the Baptismal/Godparent Class is taken at another parish, we ask for a letter or certificate of completion from the parish. In either case, a baptismal class would need to be completed in less than a year from the date of Baptism desired.

 

Step 7 – Date of Baptism

Once all paperwork has been completed and returned and all Baptism Classes have been completed for parents, godparents, and Christian Witnesses (if needed), you will be able to select a date of baptism from the list of dates that are available.