Sacrament of Baptism

General Policy

Baptisms are celebrated at Mass, monthly at St. Mary’s Basilica. Normally, this is on the third week-end of the month. Because of the spiritual nature of Lent and the emphasis on prayerful renewal and preparation for the Easter season, sacraments (including baptism) are not celebrated until the Easter season which liturgically emphasizes the waters of baptism. An exception is made for cases of emergency. Baptisms are rotated at a different mass each month. The baptism class is always on the Saturday of the week-end of the baptism at 9:00 a.m. in the morning. It is essential that the parents and, if at all possible, that the godparents participate in this class.

CRITERIA TO HAVE CHILD BAPTIZED AT ST. MARY’S BASILICA

Pre-registered in the parish or attend Mass at St. Mary's on a regular basis

Employees of the parish

Parents are looking for a spiritual home at St. Mary’s

Have some historical ties – they were baptized here; married here; their other children were baptized here; or they have some Franciscan ties (Casa or otherwise)

Parents must have the intent to raise the child actively in the Catholic Church

AGE OF CHILDREN TO BE BAPTIZED

Children will be baptized from infancy to 4 years during Mass

Children 5 years old will schedule private baptism

Children 6 years old will be enrolled in the religious education program and be baptized during the session.

Children seven years or older

The Church requires them to be part of the children’s catechumenate. They would be placed in the regular Sunday religious education classes, given extra preparation and then receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
PROCESS OF PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

GODPARENTS

Canon law requires that Godparents be fully initiated Catholic Christians who have received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist and are practicing Catholics since they are called to be role models for the newly baptized.

Please e-mail Linda Raimundo at lraimundo@saintmarysbasilica.org or call (602) 354-2082 for more information or to schedule an appointment.