Families must be active registered parishioners for three months prior to having a child baptized.
The Baptismal preparation program is for all new parents; both parents are required to attend.
Scheduling the Baptism
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. No Baptisms will be scheduled on the fourth and fifth weekends. Baptisms during Lent are only scheduled after Mass at 1 pm on the 1st and 3rd Sundays; none will be scheduled during Mass.
Baptism by another priest or deacon
A relative/friend who is a priest/deacon may baptize our child at our church. 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.
Baptism at another church
Be sure to contact the other parish for its requirements. You can attend the preparation class at St.Timothy; let us know where to send a letter stating that you have participated in the preparation process. Please notify the parish office about the child’s name, gender, date of birth, and baptism date so that we can add it to your family’s information at St. Timothy Parish.
Baptism by immersion
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 child baptized at Mass. The water is warm, and the child’s head is not dunked under the water.
Godparents for Baptism
- At least one godparent must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic age 16 or older. Godparents are required to obtain a letter from their parish stating they are registered members of that parish.
- 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.
♦ Contact: 859.384.1100