Baptism for Infants and Children

The Sacrament of Baptism

Congratulations on your upcoming addition to your family. Thank you for inquiring about Baptism at St. Joan of Arc for your child. By doing so we are increasing the body of Christ by following His Great Commission.

Prior to the baptism there are some administrative matters. Please read the following carefully. To begin the process, follow the link below to the input form to be completed. All of the required information below needs to be completed prior to the actual Baptism.

In Christ,
Deacon Mark
[email protected]
 

Infant Baptism

A child less than 7 years old. Seven years is considered the age of reason. If your child is over the age of seven, then additional formation is required.

Contact:
    Claire Thompson

When is Baptism Typically Administered? 

Baptisms are held the first two weekends of each month. The Sacrament of Baptism has been traditionally a communal rite, as the community is welcoming the newly elect into the Body of Christ. Therefore, conducting the rite within the context of the Mass is preferred . Any of the four weekend Masses are a potential option.

If Baptism is preferred outside the context of Mass, then they are held at 11:30 AM on Sunday. However, we recognize these times may be difficult in some family situations. Please contact Claire Thompson to discuss your individual situation if necessary.

When you have decided on a preferred date snd time to have your child baptized,, please contact Claire Thompson to confirm availabilty. 

NOTE: If Baptism is held after the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass, please allow approximately 45-60 minutes time. There needs to be time allotted to clear the Mass congregation, final setup and it usually consists of multiple families.

Emergencies are handled on a case by case basis.

Please read the following carefully as all the data and forms are required to be completed before the baptism can take place.

The following Information is required (3) prior to receiving infant Baptism:

1. Baptism Input Form

2. Preparation Class ~1 hour

At this time both parents and godparents are required to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class. They are held once per month. The upcoming preparation classes currently scheduled are  Oct. 15 @ 10:00AM, Nov 5 @ 9:45AM. These are held once every month. If you want to sign up, let Deacon Mark know and he will register you. He will need email addresses from both parents and godparents. You will then be contacted by one of the instructors. This must be completed prior to Baptism. In person is preferred however virtual option is available for those who are out of town.

3. Godparents

The following document link below (About Godparents) outlines the requirements that need to be met in order to be considered valid godparent(s) permitted for a Catholic Baptism. The document serves two purposes. First, it describes the requirements the godparents must meet in order to be listed as such for a Catholic Baptism. Second, it can be used in-lieu of requesting a letter of good standing from the Parish in whose boundary the godparent(s) live.

Please read, parents sign, date and return this form to Deacon Mark. By signing this document, you, the parents, are taking the responsibility for verifying the individuals chosen to act as godparents are eligible to carry out that role per the Code of Canon Law summarized in the document.

Father Tom Schliessmann, Pastor, St. Joan of Arc Parish

Requirements to be a Catholic Godparent Link below:

About Godparents.

​Your Marital Status

Baptism is not denied if the parents are unmarried or not married in the Roman Catholic Church. However, there may be a reason to postpone Baptism if parents are not practicing the faith, or have no intention of living a Catholic life. If your status is one of these please contact Deacon Mark as to how we may help you find answers to any questions you may have. We can help you enter into proper sacramental marriage as understood by the Church or, if need be, seek a declaration of nullity by the Church. We want your child to be baptized.

Non Parishioners

Baptisms should be conducted at the parish the parents are registered at. However, there are special circumstances. Please complete the Baptism Input form (link above) as soon as you can provide all the requested information. This way Deacon Mark and Father Tom can discuss your situation and determine the best route forward.

Non Parishioners will require a Letter of Good Standing from the Parish where they are registered. The letter is required before the Baptismal Rite is conducted.

Baptism for Adults 

Adults preparing for baptism go through a process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  All adults are baptized at the Easter Vigil, and receive the sacrament of Confirmation immediately following their baptism.  Adults then receive the Eucharist for the first time during the same liturgy.  
Click here for information regarding RCIA or contact Melinda Rivelli at (317) 283-5508, ext. 1116 or [email protected]