Baptism of Children

We are so excited to welcome your child into the Catholic faith.  In baptism the church welcomes with joy each new member of the Body of Christ.  At St. Mary’s Basilica the baptism of infants and young children (6 years and under) includes the following criteria for having a child baptized:

• Parents are registered at St. Mary’s Basilica or attend on a regular basis.
  • Or, parents who are looking for a spiritual home. (Will need to register) 
    There will be a three month waiting period before the baptism is scheduled.
  • Or, parents have a historical relationship to St. Mary’s Basilica.
    • Example: Parents baptized at St. Mary’s Basilica or were married here.
    • Example: A connection to the Franciscan friars.
    • Note: We are required to receive permission to baptize your child from your registered parish.
      We must have this permission before a baptism can be scheduled.
• The sincere desire to raise the child in the Catholic Christian faith.
• Registering and attending the baptismal preparation session.
• Selecting godparent(s) based on Canon Law.

Age of Children to be Baptized

• Children will be baptized from infancy to 6 years during a Baptismal Service and occasionally during the Saturday 5 PM Mass.
• Children 7 years and older are required by the universal church to be prepared in a two year process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  For more information on the Rite of Christian Initiation contact Theresa Losada at tlosada@smbphx.org.

Baptismal Class, Rehearsal, and Service

Effective immediately and until further notice, Bishop Olmsted has suspended all parish and diocesan based public gatherings (Religious Education, RCIA, etc…).  If the restrictions are lifted the schedule will be as following…

Baptism Preparation for May 2020
Baptismal Class and Rehearsal:  Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baptismal Service:  Saturday, May 16 at 5 PM or Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 11 AM

Baptism Preparation for June 2020
Baptismal Class and Rehearsal:  Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baptismal Service:  Saturday, June 13 at 5 PM or Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 11 AM

No Baptismal Preparation for July 2020.

Baptism Preparation for August 2020
Baptismal Class and Rehearsal:  Saturday, August 22 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baptismal Service:  Saturday, August 22 at 5 PM or Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 11 AM

Baptism Preparation for September 2020
Baptismal Class and Rehearsal:  Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baptismal Service:  Saturday, September 19 at 5 PM or Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 11 AM

Baptism Preparation for October 2020
Baptismal Class and Rehearsal:  Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baptismal Service:  Saturday, October 24 at 5 PM or Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 11 AM

Baptism Preparation for November 2020
Baptismal Class and Rehearsal:  Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baptismal Service:  Saturday, November 14 at 5 PM or Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 11 AM

Location:  Baptismal Class – Parish Office’s Conference Room / Baptismal Rehearsal – Church / Baptismal Service – Church

Please Take Note: 
Parents and godparents unable to attend the schedule Baptismal Class before their child’s baptism may attend another schedule baptismal class to fulfill their obligation before their child celebrates the sacrament of baptism.  If parents and godparents are unable to attend our baptismal preparation classes due to travel complication they may attend a baptismal preparation class at another parish.  Parents or godparents will then be required to obtain written proof from the parish stating they completed the class and submit it to St. Mary’s Basilica.

Selection of Godparents

In the baptism of infants and young children parents take responsibility for choosing a godparent(s) who will serve as a good example for living the Catholic way of life.  Listed below are the criteria for the selection of godparents required by Canon Law:

• 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.
• A godparent must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic, (baptized, confirmed and receiving the Eucharist), at least sixteen years of age and are a practicing Catholics since they are to be a role model for the newly baptized.
• Parents (biological or adoptive) of the person to be baptized may not serve as godparents.
• A baptized non-Catholic may be chosen as a Christian Witness provided there is at least one Catholic godparent who meets the above criteria.  A Christian Witness is allowed whereby they are from another Christian community and practice there faith.  The Christian Witness needs to provide a letter from their pastor confirming they are active in their Church.  However, before selecting a Christian Witness contact Fr. Ed to see who is considered a Christian Witness.
• In addition, a written letter/document from each of the godparent’s registered parish stating they are in good standing (not under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared) must be provided to St. Mary’s Basilica.  Letters will need to be received by the 1st week of the month before the schedule baptism.  If they are a registered parishioner at St. Mary’s Basilica we will not need a letter/document.

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.
A symbolic white stole will be provided by the church as part of the rite of baptism.

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

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

What if the Godparent(s) or Christian witness cannot attend the Baptismal Class?
If a godparent or Christian witness is unable to attend this class due to travel conflicts they must take a baptismal preparation class at another parish and then provide a written confirmation from that parish to St. Mary’s Basilica.

Do we need to arrive early to reserve seats on the day of Baptism?
St. Mary’s Basilica will reserve seats before Mass 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 beginning of Mass.

To Register for Baptismal Preparation:

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

Parochial Vicar and Baptism Coordinator
Fr. Edward Sarrazin, OFM

St. Mary’s Basilica
231 N 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone:  602-354-2062
Email: esarrazin@smbphx.org