Requirements for the Baptism of a Child at Saint John Parish
In order for a child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism at Saint John Parish, the following information and requirements must be provided and fulfilled:
In order for a child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism at Saint John Parish, the following information and requirements must be provided and fulfilled:
- The child's full name.
- The child's date and place of birth.
- The full names of both parents, including the mother's maiden name.
- The family's current address and telephone number.
- The religious affiliation of the parents and the church in which they were married, if applicable.
- The names of the proposed sponsor(s) (godparent[s]).
Sponsor (Godparent) Requirements
Sponsors (godparents) for Baptism are chosen to assist the baptized person in living the Catholic faith and must be practicing Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, are at least sixteen years of age, and live a life consistent with the teachings of the Church. A child must have at least one sponsor and may have two sponsors, provided they are one male and one female. Parents of the child may not serve as sponsors. Catholics who have left the Church, publicly joined another faith community, attempted marriage outside the Catholic Church without the necessary permissions, or are living together outside of marriage are not eligible to serve as sponsors. Sponsors who are not parishioners of Saint John Parish must provide a certificate or letter from their parish attesting to their eligibility. A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian Witness only in conjunction with a Catholic sponsor and is not considered a sponsor in the canonical sense.
Sponsors (godparents) for Baptism are chosen to assist the baptized person in living the Catholic faith and must be practicing Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, are at least sixteen years of age, and live a life consistent with the teachings of the Church. A child must have at least one sponsor and may have two sponsors, provided they are one male and one female. Parents of the child may not serve as sponsors. Catholics who have left the Church, publicly joined another faith community, attempted marriage outside the Catholic Church without the necessary permissions, or are living together outside of marriage are not eligible to serve as sponsors. Sponsors who are not parishioners of Saint John Parish must provide a certificate or letter from their parish attesting to their eligibility. A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian Witness only in conjunction with a Catholic sponsor and is not considered a sponsor in the canonical sense.
| diocese_of_norwich_-_affirmation_of_sponsors.pdf |
Baptismal Preparation Class
If this is your first child to be baptized, parents are required to attend a mandatory Baptismal Preparation Class prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. Classes are offered every other month on a Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Office. Please contact the Parish Office for information regarding the next scheduled class. While there is no fee for the class or the Sacrament of Baptism, a donation to the parish is gratefully appreciated, provided doing so does not create a financial hardship.
If this is your first child to be baptized, parents are required to attend a mandatory Baptismal Preparation Class prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. Classes are offered every other month on a Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Office. Please contact the Parish Office for information regarding the next scheduled class. While there is no fee for the class or the Sacrament of Baptism, a donation to the parish is gratefully appreciated, provided doing so does not create a financial hardship.
