The Sacrament of Baptism

Birth to Age 7

Thank you for your decision to bring your child into the Catholic Christian Faith, through the Sacrament of Baptism, at our Catholic Community of St. Rose and The Mission of the Good Shepherd. We are pleased and honored to be a part of this joyous and sacred event.

In preparation for this first Sacrament of Initiation, the child's parents are required to attend a Sacramental Preparation Session. It is preferred that the Godparents also attend. Please remember that at least one of the Godparents is required to be a practicing Catholic who is 16 years of age or older, and who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Being a practicing Catholic means regularly attending Mass, receiving the sacraments of the church regularly and, if married, being in a valid marriage. Please read about the responsibilities of being a Godparent here. The other Godparent may be baptized in another Christian denomination and will be known as a Christian Witness.

The Baptism classes are held on the even months of the year on the first Monday of the month. Starting time is 6:00pm and they are held at the Parish office. Check the online calendar for availability. Please email the Baptism Team to register. It is recommended that you attend at least two months prior to the Baptism, if possible. This allows you increased flexibility in choosing the Baptism date, planning celebrations, and in making any travel arrangements for out of town family members and friends.

Please complete the Baptism Information Form and bring it with you when you attend the Baptism Preparation Session, along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate. If you have not yet registered with our parish, please do so as you prepare for the Baptism of your child, by completing the Parish Registration Form or registering via our Online Registration.

Baptisms are generally celebrated in our Spirituality Center on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month after the 11 am Sunday Mass (and by appointment at the Good Shepherd Mission). Please contact the Baptism Team to confirm availability prior to making family travel arrangements.

Godparent Information

The ministry of the Godparent is to provide an example of Christ-like living to the person being baptized both now and in the future. The requirements to be a Godparent (Baptism Sponsor) are that you be at least 16 years of age, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and be a practicing Catholic, meaning regularly attending Mass, being in a sacramental marriage and participating in parish life. Please read about the responsibilities of being a Godparent here.

If you are a member of St. Rose and have been asked to be a Godparent (Baptism Sponsor) for a child who will be baptized at our Parish, or another parish, please complete our Godparent Form and submit it to our parish office by email, mail or by fax. You will then be contacted by the Parish Office regarding your eligibility.

If you are NOT a member of St. Rose and have been asked to be a Godparent for a baptism at St. Rose, please contact your home parish and request a certificate of eligibility. Please submit that to the Parish Office as soon as possible, and at least two weeks prior to the baptism.

Baptizing Your Child in Another Parish

For those who wish to baptize their child in another parish to be closer to grandparents, parents, family and friends, you will be asked by that parish to give them a letter of permission from our Pastor, allowing you to do so. Please complete the Baptism Outside Parish form and submit it to the Parish Office by email, mail or by fax and you will be contacted regarding the letter of permission.

Ages 7 and Older

Once a child has reached the age of 7, also considered to be the "age of reason," a preparation process is required before celebrating the sacrament. The age of reason is a name given to that period of human life at which persons are deemed to begin to be morally responsible.

In the baptism of children, parents are taking the responsibility of the faith formation of their child/children. Age appropriate preparation is offered for all children ages 7-17. Please contact Renee Hunsaker, the Coordinator of Religious Education for additional information.