We at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton are happy that you want to have your baby baptized. The baptism of your child provides an opportunity for your entire family to reflect on a faith-filled life and spirituality. In bringing your child to the Church to receive this Sacrament, you are saying that you desire to share your living faith with your child. This is a step you are taking to raise your child within the community of believers and to educate them in the Catholic faith.
First Steps
If you are not registered, now is the time to register! Once your family is registered, then we ask that you begin your journey to baptism. Although the Sacrament of Baptism does not have a cost for parishioners, the day of the Baptism you will have the opportunity to make a donation to the church.
Our baptism classes will be held in the church. Registration is required. Dates of classes can be found at the top of this page or in the bulletin.
(In addition, you may attend classes at a neighboring parish. Please check their class schedules. A letter of verification of attendance from that church is required.)
It is necessary that both parents attend a baptism class if this is their first child being baptized. If both parents have attended a baptismal preparation class within the last 5 years, we would welcome their participation but do not require that they attend again.
At least one of the parents should be a practicing Catholic willing to commit to the task of rearing their child in the faith of the Church. Parents should accept that they are the first and foremost teachers of the faith.
Often times the baptism of the child encourages the parents to participate fully in the practice and living of their faith. The birth of the child and the desire to have that child baptized serves as a catalyst for the parents to return to a faith-filled life within the Catholic community.
Godparents need to have actively emerged in the Catholic tradition. They serve as models and guides in the life of the child and the parents. They, along with the priest and parents, welcome the child to the community and signify that welcome by marking the child with the Sign of the ross. Godparents promise to support the parents in raising the child in the practice of the faith.
Choosing a godparent/sponsor is a very personal decision, however, the Church does ask that certain requirements be met:
Note: Only one godparent/sponsor is required. As long as one of the godparents is a practicing Catholic, a baptized practicing non-Catholic Christian may serve as a “Christian Witness” as a second sponsor to the baptism. A Christian Witness is not required to take the baptismal preparation class, but they are welcome to attend.