Baptism

WE ARE SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE SEEKING TO HAVE YOUR CHILD BAPTIZED!
The Sacrament of Baptism was given to us by Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Through baptism, we become children of God, temples of the Holy Spirit, and members of the Kingdom of God. Baptism is the beginning of a new life of grace for your child and the door to all other sacraments.
Since Baptism is such an important moment for your child, we believe it is important to prepare both for the ceremony and for the commitments of raising your child as a son or a daughter of our God.
For a child to be baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, there must be a basis for hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In practice, this generally means that at least one parent is Catholic. Many dioceses in the United States require parents to participate in some preparation before the Baptism of their children; we offer a Baptism preparation session here at Saint Joseph. Each child brought forward for Baptism must also have at least one godparent who is a confirmed, practicing Catholic age 16 or older.
 
FIRST CHILD TO BE BAPTIZED?
If this is your first time bringing a child forward for Baptism, it is a requirement that parents participate in one Baptism preparation session. The preparation session is usually held once a month on the 3^rd Sunday of the month at 9:30 am. Contact [email protected] to check availability and to register for the session.
If you have already had a child baptized at Saint Joseph, you need not attend the preparation session again, unless you would like to.
 
For Baptisms in English, please fill out the English Baptism Information Form and the Godparent/ Sponsor Form. Once complete, Julie Quillo will reach out to you at [email protected].
For Baptisms in Spanish please fill out the Spanish Baptism Information Form and Godparent/Sponsor Forms.
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR HAVING YOUR CHILD BAPTIZED
You must be a registered member of St. Joseph, Manchester Parish. 
Your child must be no older than 6 years of age. If a child is older than 6, he or she will need to be prepared to receive the sacrament.
At least one parent (or legal guardian) must give consent for the Baptism. That parent (or legal guardian) must be a baptized Catholic.
There must be a commitment to raise the child in the Catholic Church, following its guidance and laws, which includes going to Mass every Sunday.
You must attend a Baptismal class unless you have been to one in the past 5 years. Baptism preparation classes are held on the third Sunday of the month at 9:30 AM in the conference room of the parish office. Please contact Julie Quillo, Director of Family Life, if you plan on attending this class.
Baptisms are usually on Saturday mornings. Once completed paperwork is submitted, Julie Quillo will reach out to schedule the baptism.
Spanish Baptisms take place during the 1:00 pm Spanish Mass