Statistics reveal that in our present age, so-called "Millenials" and succeeding generations (those born in 1980 and after) maintain little affiliation with the Church. Since a Catholic lifestyle is important for the parents involved, for their child, and for the Church as a whole, it is necessary to try to address this situation in a more systematic manner. Therefore, we are changing the procedure by which parents schedule the baptism of an infant.
All parents seeking the baptism of an infant are to:
·Attend Mass weekly. Record of faithful attendance can be demonstrated by use of a church support envelope placed in the weekly collection. If you do not have envelopes, contact the office.
·Register for the baptismal preparation class held on the 5th Sunday of the month (regardless if they have attended a class in this or another parish previously.)
·Following attendance at the baptismal preparation class, parents should schedule an appointment with the pastor to discuss Faith, Faith practice, and Church involvement.
·Following the meeting with the pastor, a request for a baptismal date may be submitted by calling the parish office.
The Baptism Registration Form will be available following the couple’s meeting with the pastor. See the Infant Baptism policy.
In place of a second godparent, a Christian Witness (a practicing Christian of another denomination) is acceptable. He / she may be the same gender as the Catholic godparent.
Because the role of godparent is important, a godparent who is a member of All Saints Parish must attend a pre-baptism class prior to the baptism. This does not need to be the same class that the parents attend.
A godparent who is not a member of All Saints Parish or who will be a Christian witness must present a letter from his / her pastor (Catholic or Protestant) attesting that they are registered and active in the practice of their Faith.