As you prepare for the Baptism of your child, the Church and your parish community offer your family their support. Together, we can begin to undertake the Christian upbringing of your child and explore the meaning of Baptism not just for the day of the ceremony, but for life!

“May almighty God, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, generously bless all of us who are God’s faithful children. May we always live as God’s people, and may God bless all here present with God’s peace.” Rite of Baptism for Children, #70.

According to St. Augustine, a sacrament is a visible expression of invisible grace. In the Catholic Church, there are seven sacraments: the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist; the Sacraments of Healing – Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick; and the Sacraments of Service to the Community– Matrimony and Holy Orders.

Baptism is the first Sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member in the Catholic Church. The waters of Baptism symbolize life and death, washing and cleansing, and the mystery of new life out of death. Through Baptism we are reborn as daughters and sons of God. At the Baptism of a child (or any person), we celebrate and reflect on God’s unconditional love. Baptism welcomes the child into our faith community.
The two godparents should be practicing Catholics who have been fully initiated into the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. (A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may be admitted only in company with a Catholic sponsor.) Godparents represent the spiritual community of the parish. Being a godparent is much more than an honorary title. Through Baptism, godparents enter a life-long faith relationship with the child … an unbreakable bond.

To help you be ready for your child’s Baptism, we require that the parents and godparents attend one baptism preparation class.

In addition to the class, the parents must meet privately with Deacon Fred or Suzie Rose. In that interview, which generally lasts 15-30 minutes, we obtain the legal information for the records and answer questions you may have. Godparents are not required to come to this interview. Please contact Deacon Fred to make an appointment. Both the class and the separate interview must occur before the Baptism takes place. To have a child baptized at American Martyrs Church, the family should be registered. If you are not registered, please do so by dropping by the Parish Offices. Registration cards will also be available at the Baptism Preparation class and at the interview.

Baptisms are held the first three Sundays of each month (except during Lent — no Baptisms). Parents, godparents, family and friends of the child being baptized should be at the Church by 1:00 pm.

For adult baptisms, please see our RCIA information.