Infant Baptism Policy at the shrine of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church. We are very happy to assist you and accompany your family in preparing for this wonderful celebration for your child.
Requirements for parents seeking Baptism for their child
1.Attend a baptism class. The purpose of this class is to convey an understanding of baptism in the Church, to help parents recognize their responsibility and role in the development of their child's faith, and to welcome young families to our parish family. Please call the parish office to check on the current schedule of the class. If parents take the class at another parish; they will need to provide proof of the class. If the parents have taken a class within the past 3 years, this requirement is waived. (Proof of class is required)
2.Ordinarily children are baptized in your home parish. If you are not registered in The Shrine of St. Padre Pio; a letter of permission from your home parish or parish within your boundaries is required.
3.Submit a copy of the child’s birth certificate
Requirements for Godparents:
1.Must be at least 16 years of age.
2.Must attend a baptism class
3. At least one godparent is needed; a fully initiated(having Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation,) practicing Catholic registered in a parish. There may be 2 godparents, one man and one woman; both must be fully initiated practicing Catholics. If they are not members of this parish they must obtain a letter of good standing from their home parish. As long as there is one godparent who is a fully initiated practicing Catholic, a baptized practicing non-Catholic Christian can be designated as a Christian Witness to the baptism. In this case, a letter from the Christian Witness ‘s pastor is necessary, stating they are in good standing with their church.
4.Must provide proof of Confirmation and Marriage Certificates.
5.Must be someone other than parents of the child to be baptized.
6.Must be leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith and the role they are about to assume.
7.If married godparent must be married by the Catholic Church.