Infant Baptism
Infant Baptism at Saints Simon & Jude
Baptism is the formal way in which we welcome families and infants (ages 0-6) into our Catholic-Christian community. It marks the beginning of a sacramental faith journey for the child and is an important celebration for the family. For both parents and Godparents, preparing for Baptism is an opportunity to renew and deepen their own faith journey. It is also a special moment for our parish community to welcome new members into the life of the Church.
Infant Baptisms at Saints Simon & Jude are celebrated on Sundays after the 11:15 am Mass. We only baptize 3 infants per Sunday, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. You may reserve your spot once you have completed the steps outlined below.
First Steps to Baptism
- Contact the Coordinator of OCIA/Baptism
Reach out to Denise Quackenbush at [email protected] to schedule a brief consultation to begin the registration process.
- Complete the Registration Form
Fill out the Baptism Registration Form and return it to the Parish Office along with your child’s Birth Certificate. If you are not already a registered family at Saints Simon & Jude, please complete the Parish Registration Form as well.
- Register for a Baptism Preparation Class
Both parents and Godparents are required to participate in the Baptism Preparation Class.
We look forward to celebrating this sacred moment with your family and welcoming your child into the Catholic faith!
FAQs about Godparents
Yes. Godparents must be fully initiated Catholics meaning they have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. They should also actively practice their faith by attending Mass regularly and being able to receive Holy Communion.
Yes, if a Godparent is married, their marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church. This means they must have been married in the Church or had their marriage convalidated (blessed) by the Church. If a potential Godparent is married civilly or outside of the Catholic tradition, they would need to go through this process before being eligible.
You may choose one or two Godparents. If two are chosen, the Church requires that one be male and the other female. Both must meet all eligibility requirements.
Yes. A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic Godparent. However, they are not considered a Godparent in the sacramental sense.
Yes. Godparents must be at least 16 years old and the person is otherwise qualified.
Yes. If they meet all the Church’s requirements, family members, including grandparents and adult siblings, can serve as Godparents. However, parents of the child cannot serve as Godparents.