Information about your Child's Reception of Baptism:

 

Congratulations!  The priests, deacons, people and staff of our parish joyfully welcome you and your family at this special time.  The Baptism of your child is a wonderful event both in the life of your family and for our parish community. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, your child will receive the life of Christ and become a member of the Roman Catholic Church.  We are proud to be part of this important event and happy to assist you as you bring your child to the waters of Baptism.

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1. Preliminary Steps:  In preparation for your child’s Baptism, we ask both parents to read all the information listed below. Then, please phone the Parish Office (914 238 3260) to register in the parish if you have not already done so and  to schedule a baptismal date. 

2. Godparents:  A Godparent is defined as one who promises before God to be a faithful, practicing Catholic role-model for the godchild both now and for the future.  Godparents are representatives of the Catholic Community at the Baptism; they are living examples to the child of how life in Christ is lived.  And so:

 

                   Godparents must be practicing Catholics: that is, they have to be

baptized Catholics who are, at least, 16 years of age, have received the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation and are currently leading a life in harmony with Catholic faith and teachings. If married, their                      marriage must be one recognized by the church.

 

                    Baptismal Registration Form: can be filled out here and returned to the Parish Office.

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                    Church Law: only one godparent is required; no more than two are permitted. So, it is customary for parents to choose both a godmother and a godfather.

 

                    In certain instances: instead of a second Catholic godparent, a baptized and practicing Christian of certain other Christian communities may stand up for the child as a “Christian Witness.”  (People of faith whose religion does not include Baptism – e.g., Judaism, Islam, Buddhism,

Hinduism – are ineligible to sponsor someone for a sacrament they have not themselves received, and therefore, cannot be godparents or sponsors.)

  

   4.  Time of Baptism: On the 1st Sunday of each month at 1:15 pm in the Upper Church.

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   5.  Date of Baptism: Your child’s baptism will be scheduled once the forms provided above and the Baptismal Fee are received by the Parish Office.