Our Sacramental Life

Baptism

“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
-John 3:5

By Baptism we become members of the Church, the Body of Christ.

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ’s call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.

Baptism Requirements

Families are asked to be/become registered parishioners of the Church of Saint Mary before planning a baptism. If you are unsure if your family is a member of our church, please contact the Parish Office. If you are not a member of our parish, click here to register online.

It is MANDATORY that BOTH parents attend the Pre-Baptism class and we ENCOURAGE GODPARENTS to also attend. Parents are required to provide the Godparent’s Sponsorship Letter BEFORE the baptism date can be set. Call the Parish Office at (201) 438-2200 to register for a class.

Baptism
Workshop

This workshop is intended to help parents, sponsors (godparents) and others to reflect on their own faith and their reasons for asking to have their child baptized. BOTH parents MUST attend the session; sponsors are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend; all others (grandparents, family and friends) are invited to attend.

Godparent Requirements

Canon (Church) law requires that anyone wishing to be a godparent meet the following requirements:

  • Be a Baptized and Confirmed Roman Catholic who attends weekly Mass
  • Be at least 14 years of age (exceptions are possible)
  • NOT be one of the parents
  • Lead a moral life in keeping with Church teaching, and be a good Catholic role model
  • If married, be married according to Church law
  • Be a registered member of their own current parish from which they obtain an eligibility certificate
We can only provide eligibility certificates to those who are registered in our parish.

Since only one Catholic godparents is required, a baptized member of another Christian church (but not a Roman Catholic) may serve as a Christian witness. Since godparents renew their baptismal promises during the Rite of Baptism, a non-baptized person cannot serve in this role.

Upcoming Baptism Dates