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Baptism of Infants & Small Children
The information below applies to children from birth to 6 years old, or prior to the age and time of receiving the sacrament of First Communion. Children beyond this age prepare for the sacrament through the children’s Faith Formation program; teens and adults prepare for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Parents - and Godparents and Christian Witnesses (see below) if they wish - meet with members of the parish baptism prep team, themselves Catholic parents. Typically, this initial meeting lasts about 90 minutes and can be in the church or in the new parents' home. This will provide all with a better understanding of the sacrament and their faith commitment and responsibilities to the child and on behalf of the Christian Community where the parents are members. At that time, necessary paperwork and information is discussed to arrange for the actual Baptism.
Guidelines regarding the choice of Godparents/Christian Witness
1. As Catholics, there is a difference between a “Godparent” and a “Christian Witness.” Only practicing Catholics can be Godparents. A member of a separated faith Community (whose baptism is recognized by the Catholic Church) may serve as a Christian Witness but not as a Godparent.
2. A non-practicing Catholic is not allowed to be a Godparent for baptism in the Catholic Church (Canon 874 par. 1).
3. A Catholic cannot be a “Christian witness” to a child to be baptized in the Catholic Church.
4. Additionally, a Catholic who has left the Catholic Church for a non-Catholic Church cannot be a Godparent.
5. The Godparent needs to be at least 16 years old.
6. The father or mother of the child may not be a Godparent
7. The Godparent needs to be a fully initiated Catholic, that is one who has been baptized, confirmed, receives the Holy Eucharist, and lives in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role of a Godparent.
8. A baptismal Godparent may also be chosen as a Confirmation sponsor (Canon 893).