Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism
1. How old should my child be to be baptized?
Any child at any age is always welcomed for baptism given a commitment to raising the child according to the Catholic faith. Although the Church recommends that a child be baptized within a few weeks after birth, factors such as the health and well-being of the mother and/or of the child, the time it takes for preparing and planning the baptismal celebration, allowing the parents and other family members time to adjust to the new arrival, and scheduling the participation of extended family and friends who may have to travel some distance, are also factors that need to be taken into account.
If there is any question about baptism for your child, especially if you are in a special situation of some sort, please contact the Pastoral Staff so that we may do all we can to help you.
2. Can we have our child baptized if we are not married, or were married outside the Church, or if I am a single-parent?
Your child is always welcome to baptism, given a commitment to raising him/her according to the Catholic faith, and we welcome your entire family to our parish community. The Church recognizes that, for whatever the reason, people will make choices in life that lead them in many different directions. The fact that you are here, reading this web site, demonstrates that God is at work in your life. We would be most pleased to have the opportunity to discuss with you how we may be of assistance in facilitating your child's baptism and if there are other ways in which we may help bring God's love to you and your child.
3. Whom should I choose to be godparents for my child?
Whether you select very close friends or family members as godparents for your child is a very personal decision and not one of concern to the Church. The Church does, however, expect that a person chosen to be a godparent will support you spiritually (by prayer) and morally (by their example of word and deed) in your duty as Christian mothers and fathers as you raise your child in the Catholic Church. As such, the Church places the following eligibility requirements on persons desiring to be godparents:
a. they must be at least 16 years of age;
b. they must be Catholics who are baptized, confirmed, and have received First Holy Communion;
c. they must be someone other than the parents of the child to be baptized;
d. they must be leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to assume.
e. if they are married – it must be in the Catholic Church
4. How many godparents may I have or must I have?
Strictly speaking, you are required to have only one, who must be Catholic (see question #4). As is the current custom, most people have two, who must be of different sexes (i.e. one godfather and one godmother). The Church offers no provision for more than two.
5. Does that mean that I can't have a non-Catholic serve as a godparent?
Technically, a non-Catholic may not serve as "godparent." However, a baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a "Christian Witness" to the baptism as long as the other godparent is Catholic. A Catholic who has joined another faith – may not act as a Godparent or Christian Witness.
6. Must I attend a Baptism Preparation Program?
We, as Church, believe it is our duty to offer you, as parents and godparents, the opportunity to fully understand the commitment you are undertaking for your child, yourselves, and godchild through the Sacrament of Baptism. Attendance at the baptism preparation session for parents and godparents is also an excellent time for you to ask any questions you may have and to discuss any special circumstances surrounding the child's baptism. It is our sincerest hope that you will find the baptism preparation session meaningful and put you into a more relaxed and prayerful state of mind as the baptism day approaches.
7. When is the Baptism Preparation Program offered?
The baptism preparation class is usually offered on the 3rd Monday of the month prior to the Baptism. Please contact the Parish Office to confirm the date and time and to register for the session of your choice. You may attend any class available.
8. Is there anything that I need to bring for the Baptism?
Other than the child who will be baptized, no. St. Mark’s Parish will provide the "white garment" which is a bib placed over the Christening garment and the "baptismal candle" for the ceremony.
9. Is there a fee for the Baptism?
There is no set fee for the Baptism. However, a free will offering should be made to the Church. It can be $25/$50 or whatever you are comfortable with. The offering goes toward the expenses of the Church. If you would like to give Father a stipend that should be done separately.
The questions are given as a helpful guide to you. Please contact Sr. Angelina Giramma M.P.F. a few weeks before the child is born to discuss any questions and upcoming dates of baptisms. Generally, baptisms are done after the 11:00 AM Mass on the first Sunday of the Month.
