Baptism, along with Eucharist and Confirmation, is a sacrament of initiation.  It is through the Baptismal process that we, through our parents and godparents, begin our sharing of Christ's grace in the Church.  We receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the Body of Christ, the Church.

In order for a child to be baptized, at least one parent or legal guardian must consent to it and have reasonable hope that the child will be properly raised in the Catholic Faith. 

To begin the process of having your child baptized in the Catholic Church, please contact
Fr. Ralph Davis or Pam Rochford at 563-422-3184 or by email at [email protected].  If you are baptizing a child for the first time in the church, you will be asked to meet with a priest to properly prepare for the sacrament.  It is critical that you take this commitment seriously.  Baptism is a an awesome responsibility in that it makes you, the parent, responsible for your child's salvation up to the point of Confirmation. 

GODPARENTS

A child may have one or two godparents (sponsors).  If two are chosen, one must be male and the other female

SPONSOR REQUIREMENTS

• Chosen by the parents, not self-appointed
• Must have the intention to fill the role
• At least 16 years of age
• Confirmed Catholic
• Leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Church
• Good role model for the child
• Neither the father nor the mother of the child

A baptized Christian who is not Catholic may be chosen as a "Christian witness", But not a godparent, in the event that at least one Roman Catholic is chosen who meets the criteria above.  A non-baptized person cannot be a witness.

BAPTISM OUTSIDE THE HOME PARISH

If you are living in a parish other than the parish you wish to have your child baptized in, you will need to do your sacramental preparation in your home parish and have testimony from the Pastor at that parish prior to baptism.

MARITAL STATUS

While Baptism is not denied if the parents are not married in the Roman Catholic faith, you may be asked to postpone Baptism if there is reason to believe  parents are not living a life in communion with Catholic teaching or intend to raise your child as a practicing Catholic.  If you need assistance in understanding sacramental marriage or, nullifying a marriage, please speak with the Pastor.


ADULT BAPTISM/CHILDREN ABOVE AGE 7

Alternate arrangements for Baptism will be made for adult Baptism or for those children over the age of 7 (Grade 2).  Please speak to the Pastor regarding preparation at these stages of life.