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Baptism for Infants and Children
UNDER CONSTRUCTION. (12/12/22) PLEASE LET DCN. MARK KNOW OF ANY FAILURES. [email protected]The Sacrament of Baptism
Congratulations on your upcoming addition to your family. Thank you for inquiring about Baptism at St. Joan of Arc for your child. By doing so we are increasing the body of Christ by following His Great Commission.
Baptisms are the first two weekends in the month excluding Solemnities.
We are encouraging parents to consider conducting the Rite during Mass or the other option is after the 10:30 Mass.
Prior to the baptism there are some administrative matters. Please read the following carefully. Follow the link below to the input form to be completed. The required information below needs to be completed prior to the Baptism.
Peace and blessings,
Deacon MarkInfant Baptism
A child less than 7 years old. Seven years is considered the age of reason and another rite is required.
For a child greater than 7 years old please email Deacon Mark as a special preparation program will be required.
Contact:
Deacon Mark at [email protected]Input Form (Required)
Preparation (Required)
At this time both parents and godparents are required to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class. They are held once per month. The upcoming preparation classes currently scheduled are Feb 5 @10:00 AM, and Mar 5 @ 9:35 AM. These are held once every month. If you want to sign up, let Deacon Mark know and he will register you. He will need email addresses from both parents and godparents. You will then be contacted by one of the instructors. This must be completed prior to Baptism. In person is preferred however virtual option is available for those who are out of town.
Godparents
The following document below (About Godparents) outlines the requirements that need to be met in order to be considered valid godparent(s) permitted for a Catholic Baptism. The document serves two purposes. First, it describes the requirements the godparents must meet in order to be listed as such for a Catholic Baptism. Second, it can be used in-lieu of requesting a letter of good standing from the Parish in whose boundary the godparent(s) live.
Please read, sign, date and return this form to Deacon Mark. By signing this document, you, the parents, are taking the responsibility for verifying the individuals chosen to act as godparents are eligible to carry out that role per the Code of Canon Law summarized in the document.
Father Tom Schliessmann, Pastor, St. Joan of Arc ParishRequirements to be a Catholic Godparent (Required)
Your Marital Status
Baptism is not denied if the parents are unmarried or not married in the Roman Catholic Church. However, there may be a reason to postpone Baptism if parents are not practicing the faith, or have no intention of living a Catholic life. If your status is one of these please contact Deacon Mark as to how we may help you find answers to any questions you may have. We can help you enter into proper sacramental marriage as understood by the Church or, if need be, seek a declaration of nullity by the Church. We want your child to be baptized.
Non Parishioners
Baptisms should be conducted at the parish the parents are registered at. However, there are special circumstances. Please complete the Baptism Input form (link above) as soon as you can provide all the requested information. This way Deacon Mark and Father Tom can discuss your situation and determine the best route forward.
Non Parishioners will require a Letter of Good Standing from the Parish where they are registered. The letter is required before the Baptismal Rite is conducted.When Baptism is Administered
Baptisms are currently being scheduled on the 1st and 2nd Sunday of the month, except if a Solemnity falls on one of them. The standard time is after the 10:30 AM Mass. However, you are encouraged to think about having your child baptized during Mass. This has always been the preferred route of the Church. If you would like to have the baptism during Mass, please let Deacon Mark know which Mass you prefer. He will then speak with Father Tom and see if it can be arranged.
If Baptism is held after the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass, please allow approximately 45-60 minutes time. There needs to be time allotted to clear the Mass congregation and it usually consists of multiple families.Baptism for Adults
Adults preparing for baptism go through a process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). All adults are baptized at the Easter Vigil, and receive the sacrament of Confirmation immediately following their baptism. Adults then receive the Eucharist for the first time during the same liturgy.
Click here for information regarding RCIA or contact Melinda Rivelli at (317) 283-5508, ext. 1116 or [email protected]