Baptisms

Sacrament of Baptism

"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.'"

- The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Congratulations on wanting to have your child Baptized here at Church of St. Gerard.
We welcome you and your family as you bring your child into the Catholic Church.
Baptism is the sacrament that marks the beginning of the entire Christian life and is the first of the sacraments of initiation. In Baptism we are freed from sin and become sons and daughters of God. In the sacrament, we receive the very life of God, become part of the Body of Christ, become members of the Church, and are called to share in its mission.

Parents will meet with Fr. Charlie, our pastor, in advance before your child is Baptized. After completing the preparation, a date can be scheduled for the celebration of Baptism. To set up an appointment to meet with Fr. Charlie, please call the parish office.

You will also need to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate to the Baptism Preparation. If you cannot bring the certificate to the Baptism Preparation session, please mail/bring it to the Parish office shortly thereafter (not less than two weeks prior to the requested Baptism date). This certificate is required for us to properly document the celebration of the sacrament in the Church’s permanent Baptism Register as required by Canon Law.

Choosing Sponsors (Godparents)
It is essential that you have at least one sponsor that is a practicing Catholic, age 16 or older, fully initiated (Baptized, Confirmed, and receiving Communion and if Married, must be married in the Catholic Church), actively practicing their faith, and leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Church. If you have two, one is to be male and the other female.

Children 7 years and older who need to be Baptized, please contact the Faith Formation Director.