Preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism (Newborns up to age 7)

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Matthew 28:20

As parents, you provide much for your children - food, shelter, clothing, education, a home, a loving family, etc. However, handing on to them the gift of faith is the most important gift that you could possibly give to your child. Through baptism, we are reborn as children of God, freed from sin, and incorporated into the Body of Christ. Baptism makes us temples of the Holy Spirit and it is the door that gives us access to the entire sacramental life of the Church. We are excited to support you on this journey. Here is what to expect in preparation for this most important day of your child’s life…

Baptisms are typically scheduled on the 3rd Sunday of the month after the 11:30am Mass.

Step 1: Baptism Registration

Complete the Baptism Registration Form. Families must be registered and active members of the parish for at least 3 months before a Baptism can be scheduled. If you have not yet officially registered as Saint Mary Magdalene Parishioners, please follow this link in order to join our parish family.

Step 2: Welcome Meeting

The Welcome Meeting will help us to determine how to best serve, support, and encourage you as Catholic Parents at this juncture in your Catholic life.

Someone will reach out to you to schedule your Welcome Meeting with our Pastor, or one of his delegates, within 72 hours of your submission. If you have any questions, please email admin@smarymag.org.

Step 3: Find Eligible Godparents/Verify Eligibility

Choosing godparents for your child is a decision that must be made with great care. A Godparent must be someone capable of serving as a good example for faithfully living the Catholic way of life and for their ability to assist the Godchild and parents on their faith journey. Each proposed godparent must complete a Godparent Eligibility Form and have it signed and sealed by the parish where they are registered.

Here are the basic requirements for eligibility, in accord with Canon 872-875 of the Code of Canon Law: 

  • A Godparent must be a Roman Catholic who has received the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. If married, they must be validly married in the Catholic Church. If not married, they cannot be cohabitating with a partner. 
  • Must be at least sixteen (16) years of age 
  • They cannot be the parents of the child 
  • If two (2) Godparents are chosen, there must be one (1) male and one (1) female 

If you are unsure as to whether or not someone you have in mind meets these requirements, or you do not know anyone that meets these requirements, feel free to email admin@smarymag.org. We are happy to help!

Step 4: Formation/Follow-Up Meeting(s)

The formation during the Follow-up Meeting(s) will be aimed at the specific desires and goals that you have for yourselves and your family in living a sacramental life, as well as a life of prayer, discipleship, and stewardship. This will also be an opportunity to make sure that both Parents and Godparents are familiar with the meaning and purpose of Baptism and prepared to fully enter into the Rite of Baptism when that day comes.

Step 5: Turn in all Paperwork and Schedule Baptism Date

The following must be received in order to schedule a Baptism Date:

  • Birth Certificate for child (Copy is acceptable)
  • Godparent Eligibility Form and with parish seal (Original)

Please note that we will need at least 10 days’ notice to schedule a baptism after Steps 1-5 are completed.

Please contact ​familyformation@smarymag.org​ for baptism information if your child is seven years of age or older.