Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

Baptism for Infants and Children under the age of 7
To schedule a Baptism at St. Philip's, please complete the following requirements:

1. Parents and Godparents must attend a Baptism preparation class (information about our classes may be found below).  If you attend a class at another parish, please provide us with the certificate of attendance. 
2. Complete all forms in the Baptism Packet (have Godparents complete their form)
3. Provide a copy of the child's State-issued birth certificate.

Send all forms and documents to the attention of Gwen Kramer.  Once all the necessary requirements have been met, the Baptism will be scheduled. Do not make travel plans prior to receiving a scheduled Baptism date.

Guidelines for Choosing Godparents (Canon 872-874)

• Only one Godparent is required, but if you decide to have two, you must choose one male and one female.  
• The Godparents may not also be the parents of the child.
• A Godparent must be at least 16 years of age.
• A Godparent must have received all of the Catholic Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation.  
• A Godparent must be a practicing Catholic; that is, living the Faith by regular Mass attendance, etc.
• If married, a Godparent must be in a union recognized as valid by the Catholic Church.
• If unmarried, a Godparent may not be cohabiting.
• A Baptized non-Catholic may take part in the ceremony as a "Christian Witness", but will not be listed on any certificates or Sacramental records.

1. Attend a Baptism preparation class (information about our classes may be found below).  If you attend a class at another parish, please provide us with the certificate of attendance. 
2. Complete the Certificate of Eligibility (found in the Baptism Packet).

Baptism Preparation Class
Baptism Classes prepare parents and godparents for the responsibility they are committing themselves to in asking for Baptism of a child.  The seminars are designed to review the holy and sacred aspects of family life and how family life is the basis of faith life.  We incorporate Scripture and the challenges of living a Christian life today.  We also review some very practical aspects of Baptism here at St. Philip.  Information forms are filled out, dates for Baptism are chosen, and we rehearse the ritual of Baptism.  All godparents are required to attend a Baptism Class either here or at their own parish. The seminar lasts about one hour. Nursery service is provided.  

To attend a Baptism class, please register in advance by contacting Gwen Kramer.

Baptism Class Dates – Class is held at 7:00 pm in the Church
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Baptism for Children over the age of 7
Children 7 years of age or older who need Baptism will participate in the RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) class held on Wednesday nights from 7-8:30 PM.  Parents will also attend class. Go to the Children Becoming Catholic page for more information.

Baptism for Adults
Please see the Becoming Catholic page.

I Need a Baptismal Certificate
If you were baptized at St. Philip the Apostle and need a copy of your Baptismal Certifcate, please fill out the Authorization for Release of Information Form and mail or email to Gwen Kramer.