About Baptism
You may be awaiting the birth of a baby, have a newborn, or a child who is several months old. No matter how old your child, you have been entrusted with a very special gift from God and it is your privilege and responsibility to guide them in the right path, beginning with the gift of faith. Baptism is “the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213}.
St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Parish offers a preparation process to all families planning a baptism here to help you to better understand the sacrament, the Rite of Baptism, and your role as parents and godparents. Those who plan to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism here should complete the registration process including all required paperwork so that we can better prepare for you.
Preparing for Baptism
- Parents need not be registered members of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in order to have your baby baptized here. However, you will need to obtain written permission from your own pastor allowing the baptism to be held here.
- Complete the Baptism Registration Form and call the parish office to schedule the baptism. Baptisms are held on the First Sunday of each month after the 11:30 a.m. Mass except during Lent when there are no baptisms. We encourage families to attend Mass together on the day of the baptism.
- Parents and godparents must attend a Baptism Seminar. If you would like to attend our seminar here at St. Joseph, they are held on the last Thursday of each month in the Life Center at 7 p.m. The seminar is waived for those who attended one during the last two years. You may attend a Baptism Seminar at another parish to fit your schedule. Once you have completed the seminar, please provide a copy of the certification of completion. Complete the Baptism Seminar Registration Form if you are planning to attend the Baptism Seminar here at St. Joseph.
The Selection of Godparents
Godparents are vital in the faith life of a child. They represent the Catholic Church community at Baptism and serve as role models throughout the child’s life by living the life of a Christian. Godparents should be selected according to the guidelines of the Catholic Church. The Certificate of Eligibility Form must be completed in its entirety and submitted to us with an updated copy of their Certificate of Baptism, which can be obtained by contacting the church of their baptism.
A Catholic godparent must be a baptized Catholic, confirmed in the Catholic faith, and, if married, married in the Sacrament of Marriage in a Catholic Church or has had a convalidation (the marriage “blessed” in the Catholic Church).
There are usually two godparents, but only one is required. According to Canon Law, only one Catholic godparent must be male and the other female. If the second person is not a baptized Catholic, they can serve as an official witness. They must have been baptized in another denomination, but cannot be a baptized Catholic who is not practicing the Catholic faith. Both godparents/witnesses must complete and return the Certificate of Eligibility Form at least three weeks before the scheduled Baptism.