Baptism

In the waters of Baptism, God claims your child as his own and welcomes a new member into the family of the Church. It is a moment of immense joy — the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Christ that the whole parish family rejoices to share.

Whether you are expecting a child, welcoming a newborn, or an adult seeking new life in Christ, our parishes are honored to walk with you. The pages below explain how to begin, what to prepare, and whom to contact at your parish.

Getting Started

Baptism is a multi-month process, so the earlier you reach out, the better. You are welcome to begin the conversation and attend the parent preparation class before your child is born.

1. Contact your parish office (see your parish below) two to three months before your hoped-for date.
2. Complete and return the Infant Baptism Request Forms to the parish office.
3. Attend the parent preparation class with the baptismal coordinator.
4. Choose godparents who meet the requirements below and gather their documentation.
5. Set the date with the parish and prepare to celebrate!

What to Prepare

Required Documentation

A birth certificate or an official hospital letter of birth is required by Church law. It should include:

• The full name of the child
• The date and place of birth
• The names of the parents

Parent Preparation Class

Parents attend a baptismal preparation class with the parish's baptismal coordinator. This time helps you reflect on the gift you are asking for your child and on your role in raising them in the faith. The class can be arranged through your parish office.

Choosing Godparents

Godparents accompany your child in the faith for life. A godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic — baptized, confirmed, and having received First Communion — and able to provide documentation of their sacraments. If a parent or godparent is still completing their own sacraments, the parish staff will gladly help resolve this before the Baptism is scheduled.

Older Children & Adults

The path to Baptism is adapted with care for every age:

• Children age 7 and older are prepared through the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC), which typically includes a period of formation and culminates at the Easter Vigil, where the child is baptized, confirmed, and receives First Holy Communion.
• Adults are welcomed through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) — a prayerful journey into the full life of the Church.

If this is your path, your parish office will connect you with the right person to begin.