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Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism for Young Children

We recommend preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism begins three months in advance of the anticipated date of the ceremony. Preparation may begin before the birth of the child. For children over the age of seven years, please see the information for Older Children.

To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, parents and godparents attend a Baptism Catechesis class to deepen their understanding of their role in the religious formation of the child. Parents and godparents may contact the parish secretary to register for the one-hour class, which is offered monthly at St. Charles. Godparents not residing in the area may complete the class in their own parish and provide a letter stating completion.

Baptisms are celebrated at Sunday Mass, every Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM, and the 3rd Saturday of the month at 1:00 PM.

About Godparents

The parent or guardian of the child chooses the godparent(s). Two godparents may be chosen, but only one is required.  If two godparents are chosen, there must be one male and one female. Each godparent must meet the following criteria:

  • Not a parent of the child
  • At least 16 years old at the time of the Baptism
  • Fully initiatied Catholic, having completed Catholic sacramental initiation through Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation
  • Registered member of a parish, regularly participating in weekly Sunday Eucharistic liturgy and giving witness to faith in Jesus Christ by taking an active role in the parish, especially in receiving the Eucharist
  • Continues to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Catholic faith according to the opportunities available (i.e. adult faith formation programs, scripture and spiritual reading, performing Christian service, etc.)
  • Commits to support the godchild by continued interest and prayer for his/her Catholic Christian growth and by the Catholic Christian example of daily life

Christian Baptismal Witness

If a family wishes to include one person who is a baptized Christian, but not Catholic, they may include that person as a Christian Baptismal Witness. Please see the following forms for more information. Please complete and submit the registration forms and review the Godparent and Christian Baptismal Witness forms as necessary to begin the process.

Baptismal Font
Baptismal font