Please click here for the Baptism Registration Form
Please register your child for baptism two months in advance of the date you want the baptism to take place. Children must be under the age of 7. Please bring the child’s birth certificate or hospital proof of birth document to register. Registration must be completed by one of the child’s parents unless written permission is provided by the parent giving that permission to another person.
Godparents play an important role in the life of a child. A child's Baptism is a very special day. Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments in the life of the Catholic Church. As such, it is the gateway into the Christian life. This sacrament can only be celebrated once in a person's life, making it a day to be remembered.
The Church follows Canon Law for requirements regarding godparents. These are not a judgment on other people, but rather a way to ensure that a child baptized into the Catholic Church has a Godparent who can relate to their faith and help to pass it on.
Canon Law sections 872-874 state that Godparents for baptism are:
• at least 16 years old
• fully initiated into Catholic Church (have received sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)
• not the child's mother or father
• in good standing with the Catholic Church; if married, then married in a Catholic ceremony or else have received a blessing (with a certificate) from the Church
One Godparent is acceptable; if two Godparents are chosen, then one should be male and one female. Up to four godparents may be included in the baptism ceremony. No more than two Godparents (one male and one female) can be listed in the Church Register. As long as there is one qualified Catholic Godparent, the other can be a baptized non-Catholic, who will be known as a "Christian Witness."
Parents and godparents must attend one class prior to the baptism. If the class has been taken within the previous 12 months and the attendee has a certificate showing proof of attendance, that individual may be excused from attending the class. PLEASE NOTE: This class is for adults only; children are not allowed to attend.
If you are baptizing a child outside of St. Mariana de Paredes but need to attend the class here, you may do so for a fee. You will receive a certificate that is good for one year. Please call the Parish Office for more information.
Private baptisms may be arranged upon the availability of the priests.