Baptism of Children

With joy, the Church welcomes each new member of the Body of Christ!  Parents of the child are asked to follow three criteria: 

• A sincere desire to raise the child in the Catholic faith. 

• Attendance of a baptismal preparation session. 

• Selecting an appropriate godparent. 

Age of Children to be Baptized

• Infants and children 6 years and under. 

• Children 7 years and older are invited to partake in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).  For more information, contact Jose Reyes (602) 354-2068 | [email protected] 

Baptismal Class, Rehearsal, and Service

• For classes and baptismal dates, please contact Jolina Santa Maria (602) 354-2063 | [email protected] 

Selection of Godparents

Parents take responsibility for choosing a godparent who will serve as a good example for living the Catholic faith.  Listed below are criteria for the selection of a godparent: 

• It is customary to have two godparents, however only one is required for baptism. 

• A godparent may be either male or female. If two godparents are chosen, one must be male and one female. 

• Godparent must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic, (baptized, confirmed and receiving the Eucharist), at least sixteen years of age and a practicing Catholic. 

• Parents (biological or adoptive) of the person to be baptized may not serve as a godparent. 

• Godparent must provide a letter from their registered parish verifying that they are in good standing with the Catholic faith.  If they are a registered parishioner at St. Mary’s Basilica, we will not need a letter. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my child wear?
It is appropriate to dress the child in a white baptismal gown; however, any formal church attire is appropriate. 

 Do I need to provide a baptismal candle?
A baptismal candle will be provided by St. Mary’s Basilica. 

 What if the godparent cannot be present?
A proxy may stand in on the day of baptism for a godparent, but it is required that they attend a baptismal class before the baptism as well.  The godparent, not the name of the proxy, is listed on the baptismal certificate. 

 What if the godparent cannot attend the baptismal class?
If a godparent is unable to attend this class, they must take a baptismal preparation class at another parish and provide a written confirmation from that parish. 

 Do we need to arrive early to reserve seats on the day of baptism?
St. Mary’s Basilica will reserve seats for all families and godparents celebrating the Rite of Baptism.  Parents and godparents are required to arrive at the Church a half hour before the service begins.

To Register for Baptismal Preparation:

Download the registration form and return via mail or in person to: Baptismal Registration for St. Mary’s Basilica

Baptism Preparation Coordinator
Jolina Santa Maria
Phone:  602-354-2063
Email:  [email protected]

Mailing Address:
St. Mary’s Basilica
231 N 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004