Baptism 

Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: ‘Therefore . . . we are members one of another.'(Eph 4:25) Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: ‘For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.’(1 Cor 12:13)” ~Catechism of the Catholic Church – 1267

It has been the tradition of the church to celebrate Baptisms on Sunday. Baptism is the first of the initiation sacraments of the church and has the most symbols associated with it (name, cross, white garment, candle, chrism, water, litany of the saints, word of God, creed, etc.). The church has encouraged us to celebrate the sacrament with a community rather than celebrate it privately. Thus we schedule Baptisms on the weekend either after Mass or during one of the weekend Masses.

To schedule a Baptism, contact the parish office at 765-288-5308 during regular office hours.
 

Godparent(s) Requirements:

• Must have at least one practicing Catholic – male or female. No more than two godparents – one male, one female.
• Non-Catholic participant/mentor that is part of the baptismal ceremony will be noted as a witness in the baptismal records.

Baptism Schedule:

Baptisms take place during or after 11 a.m. Masses. Baptisms will not be performed on or during:

• Advent December 2-December 23
• Lent February 17-March 24
• Easter Sunday, March 31
• Pentecost May 19 (Not during Mass)
• Baccalaureate in June (Date TBD – Not during Mass)

If there any specific dates or times needed to be scheduled due to special circumstances, please contact the parish office to make a formal request.

Baptism Preparation:

All parents who intend to baptize their child at St Mary are required to attend a preparation class one evening prior to the Baptism. Parents who have attended a Baptism class for another child within five years prior to the scheduled Baptism are not required to attend, but are welcome to join.  Contact: Parish Office 288-5308 for additional information.

Who needs to attend?

We invite both parents to attend this class, but only one is required. Please feel free to bring your child with you. Our priests love to meet and greet the new little ones!

Infants – age 7: Please contact the Parish Office after the birth of your child to arrange for sacramental preparation and scheduling of the baptismal celebration.

Age 8 – High School): Please contact the Parish Office for more information regarding the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC).

Adults college age and older): Please contact the RCIA Coordinator for more information regarding the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).  Contact: Nancy Sherfick 729-4773