Provide a photocopy of the child’s state registered Birth Certificate.
Demonstrate one parent is a practicing Catholic; someone who strives to live the teaching and commandments of Jesus and his Church, and who regularly participates in the worship of the Church.
Complete a Baptismal Preparation Class within the last six years from the date of registration.
Demonstrate one or both parents are registered members of a parish. Parents should be striving to practice the Catholic faith. Registration in the parish is an important vital part of your practice. If you feel called to worship here at Holy Spirit Parish, we warmly welcome you to register with us. Additional details are available on our website: New Membership at Holy Spirit Parish. In the case of nonmembers, we will need a letter of permission and delegation from the pastor of their home parish.
Prayerfully consider who will fulfill the role of Godparent for your child. Review the expectations below. These requirements outlined by the Church support and empower parents' decision to baptize your child in the Catholic faith.
Forward the Godparent Certificate of Committment to each Catholic Godparent and have them complete and return directly to the Parish Office. Address is indicated on the form.
Submit the $25 Sacramental fee per child. Payments can be submitted online (see below) or by checks made payable to Holy Spirit Parish with "Baptism Fee" in the check memo line. If you are unable to pay due to financial hardship, assistance is available. No one will ever be denied a Sacrament. Please contact Leah Ackley at the Parish Office for further questions regarding financial assistance. An additional donation outside of the fee(s) is called an offering given to the church and/or presiding clergy on the occasion of a sacrament--and it is ALWAYS at the discretion of the family. Donations should be labeled as such and provided in separate envelopes from the fee.
SACRAMENTAL FEE - submit payment online here
GODPARENT REQUIREMENTS - read thoroughly
Parents, you will likely have lots of friends and family who will serve as fantastic moral supports for your child. This is a blessed thing indeed! For the Sacrament of Baptism, the Church asks for a very specific kind of support from a Godparent. The person attests to their own Catholic faith and promises to support parents as they raise their child in that same faith. This role needs folks who live and know their Catholic faith vibrantly. Pay special attention to the following requirements when choosing a Catholic Godparent for your child(ren) as indicated by Church Canon Laws 873 and 874:
There may only be one male, one female, or one of each. Two Godparents or a Godparent/Christian Witness of the same sex are not permitted.
He/She must be at least 16 years of age
He/She must have been fully initiated in the Catholic Church having received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy First Communion, and Confirmation
He/She must be “practicing” the Catholic faith – living a life consistent with the faith and morals taught by the Roman Catholic Church; participating in the Sacraments.
He/She must not the father or mother of the child to be baptize
Participating and baptized Christians of other denominations may serve as a “Christian Witness” but only alongside a Catholic Godparent that meets the guidelines above. If two Catholic Godparents are indicated, then a Christian Witness is not permitted.