Sacramental Preparation

Infant Baptism

Prepare to welcome your child into the life of Christ and His Church.
At St. Anthony

Preparing your family for Baptism

Dear Parents,



We are very happy to prepare your family for the celebration of Infant Baptism. For Catholic Christians, Baptism is the beginning of all Christian life. It is a free gift from our loving God. Through Baptism, every child becomes a member of the Body of Christ and the Catholic Church.


On the great Feast of Pentecost, God poured out His Holy Spirit upon the Church. St. Peter preached to the multitudes: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Whole families—parents and children—were baptized. Since then, the ministers of the Church have offered this sacrament to all who ask for it.


Jesus instructed His disciples to “baptize 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” (Matthew 28:19–20). During Baptism, parents and godparents promise before God to teach the child the Catholic faith. Parents are the first educators of their children in knowing, loving, and serving Jesus Christ.

Who can be baptized as an infant?

Infant Baptism includes children age six and younger. Children age seven and older must be able to personally accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, learn to pray, and understand the sacraments. Please see Baptism for Children Age 7 and Older.

Welcomed into the Life of Christ

Who can be a godparent?

  • Please select people who will be Catholic role models for your child. Godparents are called to walk with their godchild throughout life, pray for them, encourage them, and offer faithful guidance.
  • One godparent—male or female—is required and must be an active, practicing, fully initiated member of the Roman Catholic Church. The godparent must have received Confirmation and, if married, be married in the Catholic Church.
  • A second godparent may be chosen. If there are two godparents, one must be male and one female.
  • A baptized Protestant Christian may serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent.
  • A child may have no more than two godparents, or one Catholic godparent and one Christian witness.
  • If a godparent is married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church.
  • The minimum age for a godparent is 16.

What do I need to do to register to baptize my child at St. Anthony the Abbot?

  • Be committed to praying with your child, attending Mass every Sunday, and living as active Catholic Christians.
  • Contact the parish office at least three months in advance to receive the information packet. New parishioners seeking Baptism for a child are also welcome and should schedule an appointment with the pastor.
  • Parents must attend a Baptism preparation class if they have not done so within the past two years.
  • Submit a copy of the child’s birth certificate; please do not submit the original.
  • Godparents from another parish must obtain a letter of eligibility.
  • Families registered at another Catholic parish must obtain a letter of permission from their home parish.

When are Baptisms celebrated?

The Rite of Baptism is normally celebrated on Saturday mornings or afternoons during the year outside the season of Lent.

The role of godparents

To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor. Godparents are entrusted with the responsibility of participating in the child’s Christian life and education. This privilege offers an opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship that can last throughout life and beyond.

There are many ways to nurture this spiritual relationship and become a special friend to your godchild:

  • Celebrate the anniversary of the child’s Baptism each year with a visit, call, or card.
  • As your godchild grows, listen to and share in the struggles and triumphs of Christian life. Remain informed about Catholic teaching so you can answer questions as they arise.
  • Encourage a consistent life of faith through cards, letters, or meaningful gifts that recognize holy days and important milestones.
  • Participate in, or send assurance of prayer for, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and the other sacraments.
  • Support the child’s parents in their role as the primary religious educators.
  • Most importantly, be a model of Christian living through daily prayer, virtue, and active participation in parish life and the sacred liturgy.

By living the Christian faith in partnership with your godchild, both of you can experience the joy of sharing a life of faith.

Parish Office

Have a question about Infant Baptism?

The parish office can explain preparation, required records, godparent eligibility, and the next step for your family.