Baptism

"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

Infant Baptism
Anyone having a child baptized needs to be an active parishioner for three months prior to scheduling the baptism of their child.

The Baptism Preparation Class is a program for new parents designed to familiarize them with the history of baptism and to share some light theological reflections. They will also learn about the liturgy so they are comfortable when the baptism takes place. Parents need to participate in the program only once, not for every child they have baptized. These classes are scheduled six times throughout the year at 7 pm in the church. Both parents are required to attend. After completing the preparation session, parents may schedule their baby’s baptism.

Baptism Preparation Class Schedule: 
2007:   Jan.9 ◊ March 13 ◊ May 14 ◊ July 9 ◊ Sept.10 ◊ Nov.12
2008: Jan.14 ◊ March 10 ◊ May 12 ◊ July 14 ◊ Sept. 8  ◊ Nov.10

Baptisms are scheduled on the 2nd weekend during any Mass with a limit of two children per Mass. Baptisms can be scheduled after Mass at 1 pm on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.  Baptisms during Lent are only scheduled after Mass at 1 pm on the 1st and 3rd Sundays; none will be scheduled during Mass. No Baptisms will be scheduled on the 4th and 5th weekends.

Frequently asked questions about having a baptism at St. Timothy Parish.

Contact Kay Schuele (384-1100) to schedule baptism preparation and baptism.

Older Children
 Contact the parish office (384-1100) for information about baptism for grade-school children.

Adult Baptism
 We welcome people of all ages into our community. The process of welcoming adults into the Church is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Please contact Deacon Tom Nolan (525-1717) for information about the RCIA program.

Theology of the Sacrament
 Click here for informative links about the theology of the Sacrament of Baptism.

 

 

 

 
Frequently Asked Questions About Having a Baby Baptized

  • When are baptisms celebrated at St. Timothy Parish?
    Baptisms are usually celebrated on the first, second, and third Sundays of the month. They are celebrated during Mass on the second Sunday. On the first and third Sunday, baptisms take place at 1 pm. The schedule is flexible, you may be able to celebrate your baby's baptism during a Sunday Mass.
     

  • Why is the baptismal font so large?
    The first baptisms and the baptism of Jesus himself were immersion baptisms. Our baptismal font is large enough to allow this in line with ancient traditions and Church guidelines. We encourage you to consider this option, especially if you choose to have your baby baptized at Mass. The water is warm, and the baby's head is not dunked under the water. 
     

  • What are the requirements for baptism?
    Anyone having a child baptized needs to be an active parishioner for three months prior to scheduling the baptism of their child. At least one godparent must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic age 16 or older. Non-Catholic Christians, while not technically godparents, can be Christian witnesses for your child. Non-Christians cannot be sponsors for baptism, since they themselves are not baptized. However, you can invite a non-Christian to have a special place in your child's life and share with your child his or her own faith tradition.
        Having two godparents of the same sex is not technically possible. One can be the "official" godparent for the sake of the record book, and one can be the "honorary" one. You don't have to tell either which is which. Having more than two godparents is also not technically possible. However, again, one can be "honorary" godparent, and you needn't tell who is and who isn't. Just tell us, so that we can record the information for parish records.
     

  • May a relative/friend who is a priest/deacon baptize our baby here?
    Yes. We will help you schedule a time that is convenient for everyone. Usually this would be on Sunday at about 2 pm following the usual 1 pm baptisms or on a Sunday after the 11:30 am Mass when there are no other baptisms.
     

  • We would like to have the baptism celebrated in another church but do the preparation here. 
    This is certainly possible. Be sure to contact the other parish for its requirements. Also, let us know where to send a letter stating that you have participated in the preparation process. It is also helpful to tell us the information about the baby's name, gender, and date of birth so that we can add it to your family's information at St. Timothy Parish. 
     

  • What happens during the preparation sessions?
    The preparation sessions are to help you to meet other parents and to answer any other questions you may have. We will discuss the theology of the sacrament as well as practical aspects.