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, you must first submit a Baptism Registration Form (below or in the office). Additionally, you will be asked to:
- Submit a copy of Child’s Birth Certificate
- Be registered at Mary Our Queen at least six months prior to baptism date and attend Mass regularly/be in good standing with our parish
- Attend a Parent Baptism Preparation class (See dates below)
- Prayerfully select the child’s godparents, who will need to submit a Letter of Good Standing from their home parish.
- Meet with the baptism coordinator to finalize the arrangements
The preferred time for celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism is either the 8:30 am or 11:00 am Sunday mass. Private or semi-private baptisms are allowed on Saturday mornings, 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. The program is designed to provide parents with an incredible encounter with Jesus and with the Church. This program will prepare parents to have their children baptized. Parents will learn what it means to be children of God and that in the Church, they will always have a place where they belong.
2024 Schedule for Baptism Classes
- MAY: Sunday, 5/5/24
- JUNE: Sunday, 6/2/24
- JULY: Sunday, 7/14/24
- 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, they must be practicing Catholics. A godparent or sponsor must have received the sacraments of Christian initiation themselves (baptism, confirmation and communion). The whole point of being a godparent or sponsor is to assist a person to be faithful to their baptismal promises, so non-practicing Catholics are already failing at this, and are disqualified. Baptized non-Catholics can only act as Christian witnesses. A godparent or sponsor 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. Godparents should be confirmed, and if they are married Catholics, they should be married in the Church. A good godparent is someone who will scold a parent if they stop going to Mass, and correct a parent if they stop going to regular confession. 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). Please submit a copy of your child’s birth certificate with your registration, if possible. 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 to schedule a meeting with the baptism coordinator.