Baptism

“Holy 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” (CCC 1213).

If you are a parishioner of St. Mary’s and are interested in having your child baptized, please click here to request a Baptism, a member of the parish office will reach out to you in order to discuss possible dates and answer any questions about Baptism requirements.

Baptisms are scheduled for the fourth Saturday of each month at the 1:30 p.m.

A child who is baptized should be given a godparent (or two godparents) to help teach the faith and to provide prayers and support as your child strives to be a follower of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states “ …the godfather and godmother… must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the road of Christian life.” (#1255). There are certain requirements in Canon Law to ensure that godparents are able and ready to take on such a task:
-must be at least 16 years old
-must not be a parent of the child to be baptized
-must be Catholics who have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation
-must be practicing Catholics who attend Mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and receive the sacraments of the Church
-if they are married, they must be in a valid, sacramental marriage
-if you have two godparents, you must choose one man and one woman (but it is also an option to have only one godparent)

We would be happy to assist you in finding a suitable candidate to serve as godparent. While a baptized, non-Catholic Christian may not be a godparent, he or she may fill the role of Christian witness at the baptism. (Please note that a Catholic may not be a Christian witness.)

When a baptism is celebrated, it is customary for the family to make a donation of thanksgiving to the parish. We ask that you take time to prayerfully consider the amount of your donation. It can be given to the priest on the day of the baptism.

Baptism Registration phone the rectory 718-786-0705.