Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
Scheduling a Baptism
Baptisms of infants generally take place after the 10:00am Mass on Sundays. Other arrangements can be made if that time is impossible.
Before a Baptism can be officially scheduled, the Godparent forms and Baptismal Registration form must be received by the Parish Office.
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Parents seeking to have their children Baptized are reminded that this should be done as soon as possible. Thus, arrangements for the Baptism of a child can be made even before the child is born. The Catholic Church considers any child under 7 years old to be an infant, and thus is able to be Baptized without completing the rest of Christian initiation. After 7 years of age, the child must be baptized as an adult (see below).
At St. Jude, classes are offered to parents of children to prepare them for the Baptism. For their first child, parents are required to attend this class. After their first child, parents are welcome to attend, but not required
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For children who are over 7 but under 14, a special process for Baptism preparation is required by the Catholic Church. This process involves specific catechesis and the celebration of all three Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion).
Because the process is particular and involves working with parents and children in their particular circumstances, please reach out directly to the Director of Faith Formation to establish contact and meet.
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The Baptism of adults follows a specific program of preparation and learning known as the Becoming Catholic program.
For more information, please see the Becoming Catholic page.
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“The Church continues to affirm the dignity of every human being, and to grow in knowledge and understanding of the gifts and needs of her members who live with disabilities. Likewise, the Church recognizes that every parish community includes members with disabilities, and earnestly desires their active participation. All members of the Body of Christ are uniquely called by God by virtue of their Baptism. In light of this call, the Church seeks to support all in their growth in holiness, and to encourage all in their vocations. Participating in, and being nourished by, the grace of the sacraments is essential to this growth in holiness. Catholic adults and children with disabilities, and their families, earnestly desire full and meaningful participation in the sacramental life of the Church.” -USCCB
St. Jude Catholic Parish seeks to be a place of welcome for all persons - and recognizes that persons with disabilities and special needs requires particular attention so that they can be included in the parish’s life.
Please contact directly the Director of Faith Formation to start a conversation for receiving the Sacraments for anyone with special needs.
Helpful General Information
Forms and Requirements
Forms to be submitted to Parish Office
The following forms can be downloaded and submitted to the parish office either by dropping them off in person, mailing them in, or scanning and emailing them. If you are scanning a completed Godparent form, please ensure that the parish seal is visible in the scan - if not, the physical copy must be submitted.
Choosing Godparents/Sponsors
Every infant who is Baptized must have at least one godparent/sponsor. By custom, infants normally have two godparents, a godfather and a godmother. It is also possible to have one godparent and one Christian Witness - that is a Baptized Christian who has never been Catholic, but who will witness the Baptism and provide a model of Christian Faith to the child. In either case, an infant the sponsors, if there are two, must be different sexes. The options therefore include, one godfather and one godmother; one godfather and one female Christian witness; one godmother and one male Christian witness, or one sponsor.
To fulfill the role of a sponsor/godparent, the following criteria, according to the Universal Law of the Catholic Church, must be met:
The sponsor/godparent must by Baptized and Confirmed Catholic who:
Leads a life of faith in keeping with the function he/she is taking on (i.e. regularly attends Sunday Mass and Holy days of Obligation, goes to the Sacrament of Confession and receives Communion at least once a year, etc.).
If married, is married in the Catholic Church and not merely civilly or in another religious ceremony.
Is not known to have publicly rejected the Catholic Faith or been placed under excommunication, suspension, or interdict.
Is not the parent of the person who is receiving Baptism or Confirmation.
Is 16 years of age or older.