Infant/Young Child Baptism Preparation Requirements (Under 7 years of age)

St. Anthony of Padua Parish community wishes to congratulate you on your decision to baptize your child and to commit to the faith formation that such a decision implies. We promise to support you in your privileged role as the faith model for your child.

Because Baptism is the beginning of a life as a disciple of Jesus Christ, it is important that you, as parent, understand the requirements of preparing for your child's baptism. Please read the policy to guide you during the preparation phase of the process.

• A minimum of 3 months must be allowed for the preparation process prior to the baptism of the child.

• Following the initial contact interview, attendance at the parish's preparation classes will be scheduled. Attendance at these classes is mandatory for parents and godparents/sponsors. The cost associated with the classes is $20.00 to cover materials. Classes are held on the 1st & 2nd Sunday of each month, except May and September. You may sign up for the classes through the parish office. If you are being prepared in another parish, written documentation of your completion of the program must come from the pastor of the parish.

• Godparents/sponsors must meet the Church's criteria which are as follows:
  1. A godparent/sponsor must be at least 16 years of age and have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and be active in the church. If married, the godparent must be validly married in the Catholic Church. A baptized Christian other than Catholic may serve as a Christian witness provided he/she meets all other requirements and there is one Catholic godparent.
  2. Godparents/sponsors must have an eligibility form completed and signed by their pastor. This form attests to their status as full and active members in good standing with the Church. IF UNREGISTERED IN A PARISH, THEY MUST REGISTER AND COMPLETE A THREE MONTH ACTIVE STATUS PRIOR TO BEING CERTIFIED AS ELIGIBLE.
  3. Only two(2) godparents are allowed, one male and one female. Others who wish to be witnesses may be present at the ceremony.

• All required forms must be completed and submitted to St. Anthony of Padua Parish.

• The child's parent(s) should associate themselves with the parish and be active in the life of the Church.