1.  What is Baptism?
 
Baptism is the first Sacrament of our church and the gateway to the other Sacraments.  It is an encounter with Christ which graces us to be God’s children and members of His church. The baptized person begins a new life long journey growing in his or her relationship with the Lord.  Baptism IS NOT a magical moment that acts like a good-luck charm.
 
2.  Who Can Be Baptized at the parish of St. Patrick's?
 
Parents who attend and/or live in the territory of the parish of St. Patrick's may have their children Baptized here. 
 
Due to the number of requests for Baptism, we ask that parents who live outside our geographical territory go to the Catholic Church that is nearest to where you live to have your child Baptized.  The church closest to where you live is known as your “proper” parish.
 
If an exception is made and your child is baptized at St. Patrick's you will need to visit your proper parish and see your priest to obtain a Letter of Permission which will give our clergy the authority to Baptize your child.  You will also need a letter stating that you have recently completed a baptism preparation course from your proper parish.

3.   Faith of the Parents?
 
Because the parents are choosing Baptism for their infant (not the grand-parents), the faith and Christian lifestyle of the parents is crucial.

• If parents don't go to church you need to ask yourself, "What example am I setting for my child if I teach them to believe but do not practice what I teach?”
• If one parent is not Catholic, their consent and cooperation in the formation of their child is needed.
• If parents are living common-law, they should ask themselves, “What kind of a Catholic example are we setting for our children by living contrary to what Jesus has taught?  Maybe it’s time to get married?”
• If parents were not married in the Catholic Church, maybe it’s time to have your marriage “blessed” and celebrated as a Sacrament.
• Being a single parent does not prohibit Baptism of your child

After you have completed and submitted the Baptism Registration Form online or to the office, you will be contacted about preparation, rehearsal, and celebration details.
 
5.    Baptism Preparation.
 
Once parents have submitted their Baptismal Registration Form to the parish, they will be contacted by a member of the Baptism Preparation Team.  Prior to your child’s momentous celebration, a pre-scheduled meeting will be held at St. Patrick's. We look forward to meeting with you!
 
  6.  Who May Be Godparents (Sponsors)?
 
Godparents (also known as Sponsors) together with the parents present the infant for Baptism and are to help the child live and learn the Catholic Faith as they grow to become adults.  One Godparent, male or female is sufficient.  However, two Godparents is traditional, one of each sex (not two Godmothers or two Godfathers).
 
Godparents are to be not less than 16 years of age, Baptized/Confirmed Catholics, and live a lifestyle which befits the role they are undertaking.
 
Godparents are not to be the parents of the infant.
 
A Baptized Non-Catholic Christian may be a Godparent only in company with a Catholic Godparent of the opposite sex.  They are known as a Christian Witness.  Non-Baptized people are not to be Godparents as they cannot fulfill their responsibility of assisting parents in teaching and role modelling the Catholic Faith.
 
7.   When Will My Child Be Baptized and by Whom?
 
At St. Patrick's, Baptisms occur during Mass on a scheduled basis.  Due to the amount of work required by our volunteers, parents are asked to co-operate with our schedule.  There are no scheduled Baptisms during the liturgical season of Lent, and during the months of July and August.  The parish priest or permanent deacon administers the Sacrament of Baptism. 
 
8.   What Does Baptism Cost?
 
There is no set charge or fee for Baptism.  Free will offerings are welcome to off-set the costs of materials and the expenses incurred by the parish.