Sacrament of Baptism ~

Congratulations to the Parents!

It is such a privilege to be with the Lord, a co-creator in bringing new life into the world. More wonderful still, through baptism, your infant will become a child of God and will begin a new life also in the Catholic community. To prepare for this joyous moment in your child’s life, it is important that you examine your own faith life.

Just as a baby is born with your features and will pick up your mannerisms, so too will your child grow up with your faith. That is why when you approach the priest or deacon regarding your infant’s baptism, he will encourage you to live your faith to the fullest. As a parent, you will be the primary educator of your child’s faith. Baptism is only the first stage of your child’s initiation into the believing community. With your guidance and demonstration of faith, along with help from the parish religious formation program, your child will continue their journey and initiation into the Catholic community in coming years.

Policy for Baptism

It is the policy of St. Therese of Lisieux that all first time parents, those families new to the parish, and those families who have not had a child baptized in the last three years, must attend a Baptism workshop prior to having a child baptized. Baptism workshops are held on the second Thursday of every other month. Please call the parish office and register for the workshop.

If you do not need to attend the Baptism workshop, parishioners of St. Therese of Lisieux who regularly practice their faith can have their baby baptized at the next available date for Sunday Baptisms. New parishioners, or those who have become lax in their faith, will be asked to become active at St. Therese of Lisieux for a period of at least three months. For most, the regular use of parish envelopes, for instance, (but not the amount contained within them) is an easy way in indicating Mass attendance. Also, participating in parish ministries, commissions and groups are an indication of your activity in the parish.

For new parishioners not wanting to wait three months, there is also the possibility of bringing a letter from your former parish attesting to their regular faith practice.

Scheduling a date for Baptism

Once you have completed the requirements for Baptism, you may then call the parish office and schedule a date. Normally, Baptisms are held the first three Sundays of each month at 1pm. The dates and times for each month are available a month or two in advance. The number of children baptized at one time is limited, so you must call the office and reserve a particular date. At that time, the office staff will request some information of you that is needed for your child’s baptismal record.