Baptism

Baptism

There is one Love, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.  Ephesians 4:5-6

Adult Baptism

If you are an adult and are either thinking about becoming Catholic, or simply want to learn what the Catholic Church teaches, please visit our OCIA page. We have a group which meets each Sunday between masses, and you’re most welcome to join us. When the group is not in session, we provide individual inquiry sessions by appointment.

Child Baptism

Congratulations! The Baptism of your child is an exciting time for everyone involved, including your parish family. The promise of belonging to the catholic church and salvation in Jesus Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism is a beautiful gift for your child. 

Steps to Child Baptism at St. Jude Catholic Church

· First Step: 

Pre-register for a Baptism seminar by contacting the parish office at 318-746-2508.   Parents  are required to attend a Baptism Seminar.  Baptism Seminars are the First Thursday (beginning January 2024) each Month at 6:30 PM. Pre-registration is required. (If you are a parishioner and cannot attend on the First Thursday, we will work with you to schedule a Seminar at a more convenient time.)

· Second Step:

Complete this Baptism Preparation Form. The Baptism cannot be scheduled unless the Preparation Form has been returned to the office. The Parent’s and Godparent’s Baptism Certificates must be turned in to schedule the baptism. 

· Third Step:

Both Parents and Godparents need to get a new (dated within the last 6 months) Baptismal Certificate with notations(Sacraments.) This is required for records purposes and needs to be turned in to Peggy Moran at least 2 weeks prior to the Baptism.  An older Baptismal Certificate cannot be used.

How to obtain a copy of a Baptismal Certificate: 

1. Call the church where you were baptized

2. Tell them that you need a copy of your baptism certificate

3. Request that they include notations (Sacraments)

Information about Godparents:

· The Code of Canon Law (Church Law) requires that Godparents be at least 16 years of age or older, Baptized, Confirmed and able to receive the sacraments. (In Good Standing with the Catholic Church)

· Please call the Parish Office before choosing the Godparents

· If neither parent is a registered parishioner at St. Jude then you must also obtain a letter from your current pastor giving permission for the child to be baptized at St. Jude.

What is the role of a Godparent?

· The godparents, as representative of the Christian community, present the child at baptism and help the parents to lead the child to a Christian way of life. This includes helping the child to faithfully fulfill the obligations connected with our Catholic faith.

Who can be Godparents?

· Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each gender can be godparents. Godparents must be at least 16, have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, and not be the child’s parents (grandparents are discouraged as godparents because of their already important role) must be a Catholic in good standing.

· If there is only one Godparent (who must be Catholic) a “Christian Witness” (Non-Catholic) may also be chosen for the one to be baptized.

What is a Christian Witness?

· Non-Catholics of other Christian denominations who are actively practicing their faith may serve as a Christian witness providing at least one of the godparents is Catholic.

· Canon Law describes a witness as “A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community.” 

· If you are using a Christian Witness (non-Catholic) we will need a copy of their Baptismal Certificate. 

· If the Godparents are unable to attend the baptism, you may ask any Christian that you choose to stand in as “PROXY” for the Godparents. The names of the Godparents, not the proxy, will appear on the Baptism Certificate.

The importance of a Baptismal Certificate:

· A Baptismal certificate is routinely issued after the baptism.  (Please keep this certificate in a safe place for future use.)  

What information is entered on the Baptismal Certificate?

· The child’s name is entered into the parish baptismal register, which is the primary document of baptism. It is in this parish register (known as the “baptizing parish” record) that notations will be made of events in the future which change the child’s status in the Church (like confirmation, 1st communion, marriage information etc.,).

· The name of the child, parents and godparents are taken directly from the Parent Survey for Baptism that you fill out, so be careful that the names are spelled accurately when completing the form. The names and birth date information on the Baptism Registration Form must be the same as the information on the child’s birth certificate.

Other Information

All the above information applies to Baptism of an infant or young child only. If you have a child to be baptized who has reached catechetical age/the age of reason (Grade 2 or 7 years), you and they will receive different preparation. Having sufficient understanding, the preparation will now be for the full complement of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Those children already baptized in other Christian communities will be prepared to make a profession of faith into the Catholic Church and will receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation in the rite of Reception into Full Communion with the Church.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Peggy Moran at 318-746-2508