Infant Baptism

Written By Bernadette Montefalcon
 

Welcome!

This page is for those wanting their children 0-6 years old to be baptized.

If your child is 7 years old and older, please click here.

  • As a parent, your role in your child’s baptism is essential to their journey toward holiness.

    There are no conveyor belts to Heaven or the sacraments. This year is not the right year for your family if you cannot answer “YES!” to the following questions:

    • Do you attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation?
      Jesus commands us to keep the Lord’s Day holy. Skipping Mass without a serious reason is a mortal sin. If Mass attendance is not already a habit, now is a great time to return to this sacred rhythm.

    • Do you go to Confession regularly?
      At the bare minimum, the Church asks every Catholic to go to Confession at least once a year. But ideally, we go monthly. Frequent Confession brings healing and strength.

    • Do you receive Holy Communion at least once a year (during Easter season)?
      If you're in a state of grace, receiving the Eucharist more often is encouraged—it is our spiritual food!

    • Do you continue to learn and grow in the faith?
      You’ve been confirmed—but the journey doesn’t end there. Do you seek to deepen your understanding of what the Church teaches and why?

    • Do you live the Church’s vision of marriage and family life?
      Are you married in the Catholic Church (if applicable)? Are you raising your children in the faith? Parenting supports the same kind of commitment.

    • Do you support the Church?
      Through your time, talent, and treasure—do you serve your parish and support the mission of the wider Church, including our Holy Father?

    • Do you practice penance?
      Do you follow the Church’s calls to fast and abstain from meat on the appointed days?

    • Do you share the Faith?
      Parents are missionary disciples. Are you willing to live and speak about your faith in ways that help others come to know Jesus?

    What Happens If I’m Not There Yet?

    Don’t be discouraged. If you find yourself saying “not yet” to some of the above, it doesn’t mean you’re rejected—it means the Church is inviting you to grow.

    Baptism is too sacred to treat casually, and your “yes” as a parent matters more than just today—it lasts for a lifetime.

    We’d love to walk with you and support your journey back into full practice of the faith. That’s what the Church is here for.

    Learn more about our OCIA classes

  • Godparents are not honorary titles or sentimental choices. A godparent represents the Church to both the child and the parents.

    They promise to walk with the child in faith, helping raise them to live as a faithful Catholic.

    Because of this sacred responsibility, the Church sets clear requirements for Godparents—not to exclude, but to protect the soul of the child and the holiness of the sacrament.

    Ask yourself:

    • Is the person you have in mind a fully initiated Catholic (has received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion)?

    • Do they attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, and live their Catholic faith day to day?

    • Are they at least 16 years old?

    • Are they married in the Catholic Church (if married)?

    • Are they in good standing with the Church—meaning they haven’t been excommunicated or publicly rejected Church teaching?

    • Are they not the child’s parent?

    If you can confidently say “Yes” to all the above, then this person may be eligible to serve as a Godparent.

    If you have any questions or need help discerning a suitable Godparent, we are here to walk with you.

    How Many Godparents?

    You only need one godparent—male or female. If you choose two, one must be male and the other female. (Canon 873)

    If a baptized non-Catholic is close to your family, they may stand as a Christian witness, but only alongside a fully qualified Catholic godparent.

  • Do parents need to be members of the parish?

    Nope.

    What if a godparent is out of town and cannot make the baptism?

    You can have a godparent by proxy. Please indicate this on the baptism registration.

    Can I have a non-Catholic witness at my child’s baptism?

    Yes.

 

Infant Baptism Enrollment Steps

 

1

Send Request Form

If you feel like your family is ready, fill out our Sacrament Request Form

Fill Out Sacrament Request Form

2

Attend a Baptism Class

The Church of the Annunciation does not offer baptism classes at this time.

You may go to a Catholic parish closest to you.

3

Send documents

  • Read our Baptism Letter

  • Fill out forms - see details below

  • Send copy of documents in PDF format to Administrative Assistant

 

Contact Us

 
 
Bernadette Montefalcon
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