St Paul's Parish Website

 The Sacrament of Baptism...Welcome to Christianity

The first three sacraments — Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation — are called the sacraments of initiation. The Sacrament of Baptism, is the first of the three sacraments of initiation. Baptism is also known as christening.  It is also the first of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Baptism removes the guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth. 

Baptisms at St Paul’s Catholic Church

 Infant Baptism

Baptism of infants and young children is celebrated at St Paul’s Church on the first and third Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM.  These are known as group Baptisms and no more than three children will be schedules at one time. In addition to the group Baptisms, individual infant Baptisms can be scheduled.

Individual Baptisms of infants can be celebrated at the weekend Mass of your choice - except during Lent and the Easter season.

All parents seeking Baptism for their children must be registered parishioners of St Paul’s Parish and complete a Baptismal form. The Baptismal Registration  form is available here, at the office or in the Baptismal Preparation class. * Please note, there are no Baptisms scheduled any time during the Lenten season.  Group Baptisms are celebrated during the Easter Season (at 1:30 PM), but not during the Mass.

First Time Parents                                           

First time parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation class before the child’s Baptism can be celebrated.  The preparation class is offered the first Wednesday of each month, at 7:00 PM in Croghan Hall.  The Baptismal Preparation class helps the parents and godparents to understand the rite of Baptism and its significance in our faith. There is no fee for the class. For questions or to register for a class, contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .         

Parents are required to take part in this training only once.  The minimum requirement is for one parent to attend the class, but both parents, the infant and godparents are also invited and encouraged to attend the class.

Godparents

Godparents must be practicing members of the Roman Catholic Church, at least 16 years old, and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Godparents should be role models who attend Mass regularly, who are mature and able to understand and accept the responsibility which they take as a godparent.  One godparent must be a practicing Catholic, and the other godparent can be a Christian of another denomination. St Paul’s does not require a letter from the godparents’ church to verify parish membership.

School-age children Baptism

Baptisms of school age children (age 5 and above), need arranged through our religious education program. For more information, please contact:
Sister Dorothy
Director of Religious Education

Adult Baptism

Preparations for adult baptisms are available through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). If you need additional information Sister Dorothy
Director of Religious Education

Baptism Registration Form 

The Baptismal Registration Form must be completed before a Baptism can be arranged. The form can be completed and sent to the parish office or turn in at the Baptism Class for first time parents.