The Catholic Church has always taught and respected the understanding that parents are the primary educators in the faith of their children. Our Baptismal preparation is designed to assist you, parents and godparents, in raising these children in the faith.
Please allow ample time to complete this planning. Expectant mothers are encouraged to contact the office before their baby is born and attend a baptism class in their 7th-8th month of pregnancy. We strongly recommend that babies are baptized within 6 weeks of being born.
Guidelines:
- Parents wishing to baptize their child must be registered active members of St. Clare of Assisi parish for 3 months prior to the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism.
- A Baptismal Preparation Class must be been attended at St. Clare of Assisi or another Catholic parish within the last 2 years. (This class is usually offered monthly)
- Please print out and complete the Baptism Registration Form. We need the completed form in order to register you for the class and to confirm a Baptism date.
- Complete a Godparent/Sponsor form. Only Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties of their religion should be chosen as godparents for Baptism. Godparents must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation and must be at least 16 years of age.
We understand that every family is unique and that there are often special circumstances. Should you wish to discuss your child’s baptismal celebration, please feel free to contact us. To register for a class, or for any other questions relating to the celebration of this important sacrament for your child, please contact Hohanna Holcomb at hholcomb@stclarecc.org.
If you have already been baptized in another Christian religion and are interested in converting to Catholicism, it is not necessary to be baptized again. You may enter the Church through a profession of faith and receive Confirmation and the Eucharist. Generally, this follows a year of Catechism known as The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).