Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as Sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
Infant Baptism
Overview of Baptism Requirements for Infants
It brings us great joy to help you baptize your child (or children) into the Catholic Church, especially here at St. John the Evangelist Church, Allenton. This is an important step of your faith, and the beginning of your promise to raise your child in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
We recognize that those who come seeking to baptize their children are in different levels of faith with some formal participation in the church. If you a regularly participating member of our Church we are filled with joy to be able to serve you at this time. Your Joy is our Joy. If you are not currently active in our Church, we recognize even the act of a parent/couple seeking baptism for their child, as an act of faith, and to welcome you, not only in baptism, but to further practice and grow in your faith. To baptize a child however, is also to commit to raise that child in the faith community until he/she is old enough to accept as an adult, their faith into which they were baptized a child. The guideline we have developed are to respond to the great variety of families seeking infant baptism.
General Requirements of Parents Seeking to Baptize a Child
The parents of at least one of them, or the person who legal guardian of the child, must give consent. There must be a founded hope, that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith (or the baptism should be delayed until such hope exists). At least one parent should be a Catholic attempting to live their faith and intending that the child become fully initiated member of the Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).
Copy of the Birth Certificate may be required
Families Who Are Active and Registered in the Church:
Baptismal preparation will determined at the time of scheduling for Families who are registered and active parishioners of our parish for three months or more, or of another parish for three months or more (with a letter from that parish stating they are registered and active and have permission to receive a sacrament at our parish).
Request for Baptism Times:
Baptism is the initiating of a new member into the church, the Body of Christ. As such, it is not meant to be a private ceremony, but a ceremony of the Church. You may schedule the baptism with the office. Baptism takes place on the First Sunday of the Month, immediately following the 9:00 am Sunday Mass {families are encouraged to attend the Mass}. Baptism can also be scheduled during the Mass in certain situations. Please note; we do not celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism during the seasons of Advent and Lent.