Baptism

Here are the steps that must be completed prior to the Baptism:

• Please click on "Register for Baptism" below to complete the online registration form. By filling out this form, you are NOT scheduling a date for your baby’s baptism. Rather, we will reach out to you after you complete the online registration form to discuss preparation and other important details about the Sacrament of Baptism.

• As far as possible, there is to be at least one godparent (baptismal sponsor), who must be a practicing Catholic, and who can meet the requirements listed on the "Sponsor Form" (see below). 

• In the case of two godparents, one must be male and the other female. Both of them must also meet all the requirements on the “Sponsor Form.” 

  • Alternatively, while at least one must be a practicing Catholic who can meet the “Sponsor Form” requirements, the other person may be a non-Catholic Christian. This person is referred to as a "Christian Witness". Christian Witnesses are to be practicing members of their own local church. No Sponsor Form is required for them. 

• All St. Francis Xavier parishioners serving as godparents must be registered parishioners of the parish, complete the “Sponsor Form”, and be approved by the pastor.

• Godparents who are not parishioners at St. Francis Xavier must complete a sponsor form from their own parish and be approved by their pastor.

• The Sponsor Form must be returned to the parish office at least two weeks in advance of the baptism. 

• Please also take time to read these Guidelines for Godparents as you pray about who will be a Godparent to your child.

• In the event the family is not able to find someone who meets the Sponsor Form requirements, no godparent is required for the baptism. 

• At least one parent needs to be a baptized Catholic and take the Ascension online program “Belonging”. You can access this course at www.ascensionpress.com/products/belonging-baptism-in-the-family-of-god-certification-course?variant=32152574197796. Parents have indicated that they enjoy seeing this video. Older children have also enjoyed watching it with their parents. Please email the completion certificate to Parish Secretary Gina Aguilera at gaguilera@sfxcs-pa.org at least two weeks prior to the baptism.

• Please note, as Catholic parents, you must be attending Mass for some time prior to requesting baptism for your child.  This is to assure the priest who will baptize your child that there is a well-founded hope of that child being actively raised in the Catholic faith.

• Finally, at least one parent must also attend a helpful baptism preparation course here at St. Francis at least one month before the baptism.

  • After you complete the online baptism registration form mentioned above, the presenter (Ann Marie Kalloz) will contact you to arrange for this in-person, hour-long course.  Other children that you have may attend with you, as can godparents, grandparents, or anyone else you would like to invite.

Please feel free to contact Gina with questions or if you need further assistance.  God bless you.