Sacrament of Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the beginning of the life of a child in the community of faith. Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays or on Saturday evenings in the presence of the community at Mass and require preparation. Parents are asked to first contact Father Craddock at the parish office (724-9190) well in advance of the date desired for the Baptism and to register for Baptism class.

Policy for Baptism
Registration for a Baptism must be done by the parent(s) of the child in person. We do not accept applications over the phone.
At least one of the child's parents must be a Baptized and practicing Catholic. We require that the baby's parents be registered, active members of our parish. It is not required that the parents be married in the church, although a future Church marriage is recommended to be a good example of Christian life to the child. The Godparents must be Baptized and Confirmed practicing Catholics who are over the age of 16 (see Sponsor Requirements below).
Both parents and godparents are required to participate in the Baptismal preparation to ensure that those involved know and understand the meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism and the commitment they are making.
Before a date for the Baptism is scheduled, parents and godparents must comple and return all forms and documents and attend the Baptism class.
It is not necessary to wait until the birth of a baby to prepare for the Baptism by registering and attending the Baptism class. The baptism class consists of a discussion regarding faith in the Catholic church, the Creed, the Sacraments and the Rite of Baptism.
It is also possible for the parents or godparents to attend a class in another parish, if they present a letter or document from the other parish stating that they have attended the preparation class.

SPONSOR REQUIREMENTS
As a Baptismal Sponsor (Godparent), your role is to encourage the faith of this child throughout their lives, be an "example" to them and to reflect to the candidate the meaning of life as a practicing member of the Catholic church. 

The Code of Canon Law (Laws of the Catholic Church, Can. 874 §1) specifies, to be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:
1/ be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;
2/ have completed the sixteenth year of age.
3/ be a Catholic who has received Confirmation and the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on (attending Mass, Married or Single according to the Catholic Church);
4/ not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
5/ not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

Godparents are given a Sponsorship Form to be filled out by you and the pastor of your parish. It simply states: I understand the requirements of being a Baptismal Sponsor, I have received the Sacrament of Baptism, I have reveived the Sacrament of Confirmation; if married, I have celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage; I am an active member of my Church, I regularly attend Mass, and I strive to live out my faith daily.

Before a date for the Baptism is scheduled, parents and godparents must comple and return all forms and documents and attend the Baptism class.