THE SACRAMENT BAPTISM

**BAPTISM REQUIREMENTS**

1. Parents must be registered parishioners of St. James Parish. If you are not yet registered, please complete the registration process and be active within the Church for at least 6 months before scheduling a baptism.

2. Both parents and Godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class prior to the Baptism Date.

3. Parents must fill out the “Application for Baptism” and submit a copy of the child’s birth certificate. All forms must be submitted before the scheduled baptism class date.

4. A parent is ineligible to serve as a Godparent.

5. Godparents must be in good standing with the Church, have received confirmation in the Catholic faith, be at least 16 years old, actively practice the faith, and must either be married within the Church or single, divorced, or widowed without a partner, as well as a participating member of a parish community.

6. Godparents are required to complete an Affirmation of Faith and Morals form, which must be signed and sealed by their pastor. These forms should be on file before the baptism date can be scheduled.

7. A non-Catholic, baptized Christian may act as a Christian witness but cannot serve as a Godparent. According to Canon Law, a witness is defined as “A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community.”

8. If a Godparent is not a member of St. James Parish, a letter from their parish confirming that they meet the eligibility requirements (practicing Catholic) to be a Godparent is necessary, along with proof of having completed a baptism preparation class.

**Baptism Preparation Class:** Classes are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Office Building Conference Room.

**Baptisms:** Scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month at 11:30 a.m. in the Church.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure we can start on time.