Baptism

Thank you for having your child Baptized at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish.  Before a baptism can be scheduled All paperwork must be into the office and classes completed. You must also be a registered parishioner at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish.

  • Baptismal classes – If having your child baptized at St. Mary’s, classes are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00PM in the upstairs conference room in St. Mary’s Parish Office. You must register ahead of time. The cut-off for signing up for the class is the day prior – Wednesday. There will be no Walk-ins allowed.  Call the office to schedule at 609-298-0261 x 112.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  • If you have attended a class within the last 5 years you will not need to attend another but must show proof of where and date.  If the class was taken at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish we can check our records.
  • Baptisms will take place on the first and third Sunday of the month at both St. Mary Church and Holy Assumption Church.
  • At St. Mary’s Baptism’s will be held after the 11:30AM mass at 1:00PM. Please be at the church by 12:45PM.                                                                                                                                                                                                          
  • At Holy Assumption Baptisms will be held at 12:00PM. Please be at the church by 11:45AM.

PARENTS

  • Please provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate for purposes of correct name spellings.

GODPARENTS

  • Cannot be the parent of the child.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Must have received the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, First Eucharist & Confirmation) in the Catholic Church.
  • If married, must have been in a Catholic Church, or with the approval of the Catholic Church. (Must be a valid catholic marriage).
  • Attend Mass regularly on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation & have received the Sacrament of Confession and Communion at least once in the past year.
  • There must always be at least 1 valid Catholic sponsor.
  • If you are a non-Catholic and have been baptized at another Christian church please provide a copy of your baptismal certificate and a letter from your current church stating that you are in good standing. You will be a Christian Witness. (See #7 below)
  • IF YOU HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED CATHOLIC BUT WERE MARRIED IN ANOTHER NON-CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO BE A SPONSOR FOR BAPTISM.
  • IF YOU WERE BAPTIZED CATHOLIC AND NOW ATTEND / BELONG TO ANOTHER CHRISTIAN CHURCH YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO BE A SPONSOR.
  • All godparents must provide a letter of sponsorship from their church.  All certificates required, such as Certificates of Eligibility for sponsors, can be presented at the class attended. However, if you don’t have the certificate the evening of the class it must be presented before the Baptism can be scheduled.

There is no baptismal stipend required. But to cover the cost of lighting, heat and office administration a donation would be appreciated.

Attached requirements MUST BE MET FOR ALL SPONSORS OF BAPTISM. This is Canon Law (Nos. 872 to 874, 1% to 5% plus #2).

If you have any questions regarding the above requirements, please call Patricia at the Parish Office Wednesday and Thursday 9AM to 3PM @ 298-0261 x 112.  Email: psolimine@mmotcp.org.

CHAPTER IV

SPONSORS

Can. 872 – Insofar as possible one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it.

Can. 873 – Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each sex is to be employed.

Can. 874

  1. To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must:
  2. Be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intention of performing this role;
  3. Have completed the sixteenth year, unless a different age has been established by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minister that an exception is to be made for a just cause:
  4. Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken;
  5. Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared:
  6. Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized
  7. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may not be admitted except as a witness to baptism and together with a Catholic sponsor.

Updated as of 12/2/2022