410.661.4888
Infants and Young Children (under 7)
Baptismal preparation for parents of infants and young children: Baptism is the beginning of the faith journey that leads to everlasting life with God and is also the rite of welcome into the faith community. It is the first of the three sacraments of initiation, which are Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Attendance at a baptismal preparation program for Parents and Godparents is a necessary requirement for infant baptism. Baptism classes are offered on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Cronin Center. Parents may register to attend the class or schedule a Baptism by contacting the parish office at 410-661-4888.
Baptismal Information
The day of Baptism is a great day for your child and your family. Your child joins a large family of faith that stretches back to the Lord Jesus and his early followers. The word that comes to mind when thinking of you and your child is "gift." The Lord has shared the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through the living waters of Baptism. Your child is also given the power to believe, to hope, and, above all, to love. Baptism occurs only once in the life of a Christian. It is the beginning of the journey that leads to everlasting life with God.
The Lord delights in your choice to share the gift of divine life with your child. As parents, you are simply irreplaceable. Your role of sharing and cultivating the life of Jesus in your child is a great privilege and opportunity. We, too, wish to work with you as your Church family. We want to be partners in your child's faith development, assisting you in any way we can. We hope that you will find St. Isaac Jogues a parish where we can all grow together in faith, hope, and love.
Baptism Preparation Guidelines
We hope that the following guidelines will assist you as you prepare for Baptism.
- Non-registered families living outside of the boundaries of St. Isaac Jogues parish are encouraged to be involved in their own parish's baptismal preparation and administration of the Sacrament of Baptism.
- If you are a member of another parish, a letter of permission from your pastor must be sent to us in order for the Baptism to be celebrated at St. Isaac Jogues. Such permission may be obtained by contacting the office of your home parish.
- We ask that families living within the boundaries of St. Isaac Jogues register with us if they have not yet had the opportunity to do so.
- At least one parent should be a practicing Catholic who participates in the sacramental life of the Church. If you are returning to the practice of the faith, please know that we want to welcome you and support you in this journey.
- Parents are asked to call the Parish Office 4-6 weeks in advance to schedule both the preparation class and the baptism date.
- One of the important decisions you, as parents, will make is the choice of godparents for your baby. Godparents should help and support you in bringing up your child in our Catholic faith. The godparents will also be role models for your child in living our faith. The role of a godparent is not an honorary one; it is truly a spiritual role.
- One of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years old, who has received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
- A baptized Christian of another faith tradition may serve as a "Christian witness" to the baptism, along with the Catholic godparent. Godparents may never be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
- The Church expects that the chosen godparent(s) will be present at your baby's baptism. However, if this is not possible, a proxy may be used. The proxy must be appointed by the godparent. Please be sure to give the parish office the name of the proxy for the parish records. Should you need a proxy, a simple solution is to ask one of the grandparents.
- No set of guidelines can cover all sets of circumstances. If you have any questions or wish to have something clarified, please call the Parish Office at 410-661-4888.
Important Note About Godparents
The role of godparent is a sacred responsibility in the Catholic Church. Godparents are not just honorary titles, but spiritual guides who will help nurture your child's faith journey. Choose individuals who truly live their Catholic faith and will be positive role models for your child.
Adults (OCIA)
Adults are received into the Church by either Baptism or the Profession of Faith following completion of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process which provides instructions in the faith of our Church, click the button below.
Baptism Schedule
(except during Lent):
Baptisms are scheduled on the fourth Sunday of every month at 12:30 p.m., and during Mass on the second weekend of every month.
If another time must be arranged, or if a visiting clergyman is requested, please contact the Parish Office at 410-661-4888.
We look forward to celebrating this sacred moment with your family!
