Congratulations on taking this important step in faith for your child and your family. Baptism is the sacrament that frees us from Original Sin, makes us apart of the family of God, and a member of the Catholic Church. We look forward to meeting you and your child in person soon, but in the meantime, here is all of the important information you need to know about the baptismal preparation process here at Saint Mary Cathedral. 

Baptism Process- for children 6 and under
(Please Submit all  paperwork TOGETHER to [email protected])

• Complete and submit Baptism Request Form: Baptism Request Form   
• Baptism Preparation Class is required for both parents and godparents- please see the class schedule below
•  Submit a copy of the class certificate.
• Covenant Form from godparents
• Birth certificate of child to be baptized

Parent/Godparent Baptismal Class:

           2024 Schedule -9am-Noon

1. ALL classes are held in the Sheehan Room. Attendance for the entire class time is required to receive the certificate of completion.

2. No Registration, No Fees, No paperwork needed 

3. This class is an open class, you do not have to be a parishioner at Saint Mary Cathedral to attend. 

4. Please secure childcare for the day of the class. If a parent or godparent has to tend to child during a class, they must retake the class in order to obtain all the information provided.  

 English:  December 7, January 4, February 1

 Spanish:  deciembre 14, Enero 11, Febrero 8

During the celebration of the Rite of Baptism, a few guidelines are asked to be followed:

• Please silence cell phones. Please do not eat, chew gum or drink in the church.
   
• Photographs and video recording are allowed. Photographers are NOT to move around or interrupt the ceremony with any flash photography.   Distractions take the focus away from the baptismal candidates and the solemnity of the Rite. Photos will be allowed immediately following the end of the liturgy.   Please inform your family of our policy prior to the day of the baptism.
   
• The Ave Maria Cathedral Gift Shop has baptismal candle and bibs in stock for purchase. You may purchase these items elsewhere as well if you'd like.
   
• During the Rite, there will be a time to anoint the child on the chest. Please be prepared to assist the priest or deacon by being ready to adjust the child’s clothing so that annointing can be performed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can a member of my family who is not Catholic but a Christian be a godparent?
A godparent or sponsor is required by Canon Law to be a fully initiated Catholic in good standing.
This means that have received Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation.  
 If they are married, they must have a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church.
A non-Catholic, then cannot serve as a godparent in a Catholic baptism. 
A godparent is asked to promise to help the parents of the child to raise the child in the Catholic faith.  

Can a family member who is not Christian be a witness?
No, the Church requires for Baptism that a witness be Christian.  
Non-Christians are welcome to attend a celebration of the Sacrament;
however, the Church makes no demands on their conscience to participate in
a Rite which may be contrary to their beliefs.      

Can a married family member who is Catholic but did not marry in the Church be a godparent?
Unless the marriage is otherwise recognized as valid by the Church,
this person cannot serve as a godparent. This person may very well be a good person in many ways, but the marital situation needs to be reconciled before they fulfill the role of godparent. 
To answer specific questions about a particular situation please call the Cathedral staff.      

Can a family member who was married in the Church but now is separated or divorced
 be a godparent or sponsor?
Possibly. Separation or divorce does not necessarily inhibit a person from being a godparent,
but please contact the Cathedral staff for clarification for your situation.    

Can I have my child baptized if my spouse or parent is not Catholic?
Yes. As long as there is an earnest desire for the child to be reared in the Catholic faith, the Church will work with the parents on baptizing the child and addressing any specific concerns. (Canon 868 81)

Do I have to be married in the Church to have my child baptized?
No, however; we would invite those who have not received this sacrament to talk to one of the Cathedral clergy for more information on how to celebrate this sacrament.

Do I have to be confirmed to have my child baptized?
No, however, we would invite anyone who is an adult and has not been confirmed
to enroll in our Adult Confirmation course.    Can I have more than two godparents or sponsors?
No, however, we would invite your entire family to be involved in
the upbringing of your child in the Catholic faith.  
Different family and cultural traditions are important to raising
your children in the faith and are encouraged by the Church.