Baptism

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16)

Please accept our warm CONGRATULATIONS to all parents who lead their children to Christian faith.

Infants and children to age 7:  

1. Parents are expected to attend Baptism preparation sessions scheduled throughout the year. Please complete the online form or call the parish office for specific class dates and Baptism.
2. Choose godparents for your child. Please see below for specific Catholic Church requirements for Baptism.
3. Register in the parish of Saint Pius X. Parents will need to be registered and attend Mass at St. Pius X. (if you are already registered, please disregard).
4. You may attend class when you are expecting the child as this may be a more convenient time.

Godparents:

1. The role of the godparent is very important. Please prayerfully consider this model of Catholic faith when discerning your choices. 
2. The Church is very specific as to who may serve as godparent:
3. Over 16 years of age
4. Confirmed in the Catholic Church
5. Currently a practicing Catholic.
6. They may be single, but they need to have been married in the Catholic Church if married.
7. There needs to be at least one godparent who meets these requirements. Parents may not serve as a godparent.

Baptism of Adults and Children Age 7 and Older:

Adults and older children are welcomed to the Sacrament of Baptism. A process is in place to pray, learn and celebrate as individuals seeking Baptism discern their commitment to becoming a member of the Catholic Church. This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. The process is adapted for children.  

If you are an adult or older child, please contact the parish office and seek specific information on the RCIA process. This is the first step and a step that leads on a journey to a relationship with Jesus and His Church.

Baptismal Symbols

• Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).