Apart from marriage, the baptism of a child is one of the most grace-filled moments in the life of a family. When a mother learns that she is with child, a family often begins to plan showers and to prepare a nursery, all of which are worthy practices. But in preparing for a child’s birth, we should never forget to prepare for a child’s rebirth into the Body of Christ through that initial sacrament of Baptism. In Baptism, an indelible (albeit invisible) mark is placed upon us that sets us aside. We are forever claimed as a son or daughter of God as well as a soldier of Christ, members of the Church Militant. As such, we are also called to be future saints with God’s great grace.  Spiritual preparation is essential, then, not only in getting the ceremony and sacrament completed, but also in preparing another soul to be raised up in a godly and Christian way.

To have your child baptized at Mary Our Queen, please submit a Baptism Registration Form (found at the bottom of this page or in the office). Once we have received the registrations form:

• We will confirm you have been registered at Mary Our Queen for at least six (6) months prior to the baptismal date, you regularly attend Mass, and are in Good Standing with our parish
• You will be contacted by the Baptism Coordinator who will:
  • Review the process with you and get any additional questions answered
  • Collect required paperwork if you did not turn it in when you completed the Baptism Registration Form:
    • Letter of Good Standing for your child’s godparents, signed by the pastor of their home parish
    • Child’s birth certificate (unless you register before the child’s birth)
• Once all paperwork has been received, the Baptism Coordinator will register you for a parent Baptism preparation class
  • Attend the parent Baptism preparation class
• After attending, schedule the Baptism of your child with the Baptism Coordinator

Normally, baptisms are celebrated at Mary Our Queen at either the 8:30 am or 11:00 am Sunday mass. However, private or semi-private baptisms are allowed, subject to the schedule of the deacons and church availability.

What do we learn in the class?
Our program, Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God, prepares families for the beautiful Sacrament of Baptism, while reminding them of who they are as God’s children and the significance of their vocation. It is designed to provide parents with an incredible encounter with Jesus and His Church. In addition to preparing parents to have their children baptized, this program will help parents learn what it means to be a child of God and that in the Church, they will always have a place where they belong.

• 2024 Schedule for Parent Baptismal Preparation Classes
• JULY: Sunday, 7/21/24
• AUGUST: Sunday, 8/4/24
• SEPTEMBER: Sunday, 9/8/24
• OCTOBER: Sunday, 10/6/24
• NOVEMBER: Sunday, 11/3/24
• DECEMBER: Sunday, 12/1/24

Who can be a Godparent?
According to Church law, godparents and sponsors must be people who lead and live a Christian life, in other words, they must be practicing Catholics. They must have received the sacraments of Christian initiation themselves (baptism, confirmation and holy communion). The whole point of being a godparent or sponsor is to assist a person to be faithful to their baptismal promises, so by failing to do this in their own lives, non-practicing Catholics disqualify themselves. A baptized non-Catholic can only act as Christian witnesses, not a godparent or sponsor.  Finally, the person you choose must be 16 years of age or older.

There should be only one male and only one female sponsor or godparent. Parents cannot be the godparents or sponsors of their own children. Parents, sponsors and pastors should not permit non-Christian names to be given in baptism and/or confirmation.

When choosing godparents, please choose faithful, practicing Catholics who will be dutiful in their task to keep your child, and thus your family, practicing Catholics. In addition to the requirements already mentioned, godparents, if married, should have been married in the Catholic Church. A good godparent is someone who will admonish a parent if they stop going to Mass, and correct a parent if they stop going to confession regularly. A serious godparent will make sure the parents are doing all they can to raise up Catholic children. Prayer should be an important part of their daily life. Talking with God everyday helps one to know and love the One who knows us better than we know ourselves and loves us more than we can comprehend. Choose a godparent who actually prays! These qualities mean that it is essential to find a conscientious, practicing Catholic who is serious about living out his or her own Catholic life.

To begin the process of having your child baptized at Mary Our Queen, you must first submit a Baptism Registration Form (below or in the office).  If possible, please upload a copy of your child’s birth certificate and the ‘Letter of Good Standing’ for the godparents with your registration. Once you submit your Baptism Registration Form (below), the office will confirm receipt of your document via email. You will also be contacted within a week by the Baptism Coordinator.