Infant Baptism (under 7 years of age)

Infant Baptism Coordinators: Michael Garibaldi (English) & Deacon Jim Springer (Spanish)

The Process
Parents desiring Baptism for their child should either download a registration packet from our website or pick one up in the office. Once you have had a chance to complete the form, please turn it in to the main parish office and an appointment will be scheduled at that time with Mr. Garibaldi or Deacon Springer. Your class and baptismal date will be scheduled at this meeting.

General Policy for Baptism of Children at St. Joan of Arc
Parents seeking baptism must be registered and actively participating members of the parish for at least three months prior to the sacrament. If registered in another parish and the grandparents of the infant to be baptized are registered parishioners of St. Joan of Arc, the parents must have a letter of permission from the pastor of their home parish. Parents are required to attend one personal interview with a member of the baptismal team and two formation classes unless such classes have been completed within two years.

Godparent requirements and information.
Godparents are chosen for their faith commitment and ability to assist the child and parents with their faith journey. It is customary to have two Godparents, but only one is required for baptism. A Godparent may be either male or female. If two are chosen, then one must be make and the other female. Only one of each gender may be listed as Godparents. It is strongly suggested that Godparents attend a formal baptismal class either at St. Joan of Arc or in their own parish.

Godparents must meet the following requirements:

16 year or older

• May not be natural or adoptive parents of the child being baptized
• Fully initiated Roman Catholic (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)
• Must be leading a life in harmony with the Faith (a practicing Catholic)
• If married, marriage must be validated by the Catholic Church
• If unmarried, divorced, or separated, must not be cohabitating
• Must be free of any canonical impediment. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1311

Ceremonial procedures
At St. Joan of Arc, the sacrament of Baptism is a community rite. It allows the Catholic community to welcome your baby into the family of the Church. For this reason, we only offer group baptisms. Baptisms are held the fourth Sunday of every month (with some exceptions) at 1:30pm (Spanish) and 3:30pm (English). (Please refer to the baptismal schedule that will be presented at the personal interview for beginning Baptismal preparation.) *Please note that all requirements and necessary paperwork assigned by the member of the Baptismal Team, must be met and completed no later than one week prior to the baptismal date.