St. Paul Catholic Church
GENERAL BAPTISM INSTRUCTIONS

Congratulations from all of us at St Paul Catholic Church on the gift of your child. Listed below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding baptisms. Please call the parish office if you have additional questions.

• English Baptisms are performed on the 3^rd Saturday of the month at 10am.

• Baptism Preparation Classes for parents and godparents are offered on the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 7pm. There is a $50.00 fee for parent(s) which includes Godparent(s).  This fee does not include the stipend for the Deacon the stipend fee is $75 and should be paid at time of registration.

• If you are not a registered member of St. Paul, we invite you and encourage you to register and worship with us.  If the godparent(s) is registered at another parish, please submit a letter from their parish stating that they are practicing the Catholic faith and are in good standing in the church.

• Parent(s) of the infant child to be baptized should live within the territorial boundaries of St. Paul. If the parents are not registered parishioners and live outside of the boundaries of St. Paul, they must obtain written permission from the parish pastor where they are registered at. If not currently registered at a parish, a letter from the pastor of the nearest catholic church.

• The parent(s) must complete the St. Paul Catholic Church, application at the bottom of this form..

• A copy of the child’s official city/state issued birth certificate must be submitted to the parish office. A child is considered to have achieved a sufficient use of reason upon completion of 7 years of age and is therefore required to receive Religious Education instruction prior to the Baptism. Parent(s) of children 7 years of age and older will be referred to the Director of Religious Education.

• Baptismal Sponsor(s)/Godparent(s) is to be selected by the parents according to the requirements found in Canon 872, which states that at least one sponsor is required. There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each (c.872).

• To perform the role of sponsor, it is necessary that a person (c. 874):

• Be designated by the parents or the one who takes their place.
• Have completed the sixteenth (16) year.
• Be a practicing Catholic who has been Confirmed and has already received the sacrament of Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. 
• If married, is in a valid Catholic marriage.
• Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared.
• Not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized.
• The “Baptism Sponsor Covenant” form must be downloaded and completed by Godparent(s).
• Godparent(s) and Parent(s) must attend a Baptism Preparation Class. Godparent(s) may not have to take the class if the class was taken within the last three years of the date of Baptism. A copy of the class certificate is required as proof of class attendance.

The following documentation is required prior to scheduling attendance at the Baptism Preparation Class:

1. an online application form must be completed and received by the Parish Office.
2. a copy of the child’s Birth certificate must be submitted to the Parish Office.
3. a completed and signed Baptism Sponsor Covenant Form must submitted to the Parish Office for each Godparent. (Form must include a "wet signature" meaning digital format is not accepted)
4. if baptismal class has ever been take  a copy of the Baptism Preparation Class Certificate for the parent(s) and/or Godparent(s) must be submitted to the Parish Office.
5. all documents MUST be submitted prior to scheduling a class or baptism. All documents need to be submitted no later than 2 weeks before class or 1 month beofre baptism if class is not needed.

If there are remaining questions regarding preparations for baptisms, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office.

Thank you.