BAPTISM makes us a child of God...
Through Baptism, parents assume an awesome responsibility to teach their child to love and to know about the God who created him/her. These lessons begin with Baptism and continue all through the pre-school and growing up years.
Parents are the primary educators of their young children and are the first to teach this child about God. This is an awesome responsibility and cannot be taken lightly. When parents want to have their child baptized, the Laws of our Church call for preparation or catechesis for this sacrament.

REQUIREMENTS: In both of our parishes this takes the form of: 1) parents must be registered within the parish for at least six months prior. It is assumed that the parents are actively living out their own responsibilities as practicing Catholics. If the parents are not married in the Church, this is a good time to talk with the pastor or deacon about this matter. 2) an interview with the pastor; 3) registration to gather needed information; 4) a copy of the child's birth certificate; 5) a series of four classes which must be completed prior to the baptism.

If for some reason, these steps cannot be followed, then it maybe best to postpone the Baptism until such time as the parents are ready. Call us if you have questions or concerns.

One of the ways that the faith communities of St. Joseph and St. Mary can support families and help them pass on the faith is through the Parent Preparation Classes. This program will help parents teach their child about our Catholic faith, our customs and our traditions.

Families are encouraged to attend the Parent Classes during pregnancy when life is at a slower pace. Godparents and significant live-in family members (ie: grandparents) are encouraged to attend these sessions and participate in the Baptism celebration.

Only certain dates are available to celebrate this Sacrament of Baptism during the weekend liturgies. Please call the religious education office at St. Joseph or St. Mary parish for the next available class and dates of baptism.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS:
The Core Team consisting of members from both St. Mary and St. Joseph have been specially trained for this ministry and to make the series of four presentations.

Session 1: The Faith Journey and the History of Baptism
Session 2: The Rite of Baptism and its Signs and Symbols
Session 3: Christian Parenting and Planning for Baptsim Rite
Session 4: Reunion Celebration of Families after Baptism
Each session begins with a prayer and is followed by a video presentation and discussion. Materials are provided for parents to reflect on between sessions.

The fourth session follows the actual Baptism with the class participants sharing their stories and reflections on their own recent experience of the very meaningful Rite of Baptism.

GODPARENTS:
Choosing a Godparent for your child is necessary. Questions to ask yourself are:

• Does this person know and practice their own faith commitment?
• Will this person be able to help us lead our child closer to God by being a "good example"?
• Is this person a confirmed and practicing Catholic?

It is not just and honor but a serious responsibility to be a Godparent. A Godparent cannot be a parent or spouse of the one being baptized.

 If Godparents are not registered and active members of either St. Mary or St. Joseph, present Letter of Verification from their pastor, one week prior to Baptsim.