Saint Mary Catholic Parish

6853 S. Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120 303-798-8506

More than 100 Years of Continuous Faith

Baptism

Since the earliest times, Baptism has been adminstered to children,
for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit;
children are baptized in the faith of the Church.
Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom.
Contact Dora Collins at 720-283-4737 or dcollins@stmarylittleton.org

Dear Friends,

Congratulations! We believe that every child is a precious gift of God. It is truly wonderful that you wish to share your faith with your child, for Jesus Himself said: “Let the children come to me.” As you begin the challenging but rewarding task of bringing up your child in the Catholic Church, you undoubtedly have many questions and concerns. Here are a few steps to help you begin the planning your child’s Baptism.

Step 1: Reflect on the importance of faith in your life.

In preparing for your child’s Baptism, you should ask yourselves some questions: “What place does God have in our lives?” “What place does the Church have in our lives?” “Are we striving to practice our faith?” “What sort of faith do we want for our children?” “Where do we intend to go to church?”

Your answers to these questions should directly affect where and when you choose to celebrate your child’s Baptism. For a Catholic, the desire to have a child baptized should indicate an acceptance of the teaching of Jesus Christ as handed on to us by the Church. The Church urges all Catholics to practice their faith in a particular parish family.

Step 2: Connect with the Parish

Canon Law requires that there be a "well-founded hope" that the child to be baptized will be brought up in the Catholic faith. The only way that we as a parish can confirm this is through active participation in the life of the church. Therefore, parents of the baby to be baptized must be registered, active members of St. Mary Parish for at least six months before scheduling a baptism. Families who have recently moved to our parish can, in lieu of the six month registration, provide a letter from a priest at their previous parish or another priest confirming their practice of the faith. Grandparents who are active religious educators of their grandchildren can request baptism for them, provided the parents affirm that they will not interfere with the Catholic formation of the child. Expectant parents are encouraged to register in the parish (if they have not already done so) prior to the arrival of the baby.

Our Location and Office Hours

Our Parish Registration Form.

Step 3: Choose good godparents.

    In accordance with Canon Law:
  • Parents must select at least one and not more than two godparents
  • If two godparents are selected, one must be male and one female
  • Godparents must be at least 16 years old and mature enough to undertake this responsibility
  • Godparents must be fully initiated, practicing Catholics who attend Mass on Sunday, receive the sacraments regularly and see to the religious instruction of their families
  • Godparents must be canonically free to carry out this office. Those living in an invalid marriage or cohabitating are ineligible to act as godparents.
  • The parents of the child to be baptized cannot act as godparents.

Godparent Eligibility Form

Step 4: Attend Baptism Preparation Class

Parents and godparents (and grandparents, if they are requesting baptism) must also attend a baptism preparation class prior to the baptism. Also, to remind parents of their solemn duty, they will be asked to sign a statement affirming their commitment to raise the child in the Catholic Faith.

Baptism preparation classes are normally held every second Sunday of the month at 1:30pm in the Pastoral offices. This class is a requirement for both the parents and the godparents if they have not attended a prior preparation class within the past two years. Parents are encouraged to attend a class prior to the birth of their baby. Out-of-town godparents may take the class at a local parish in their area.

Printer-friendly Baptism Class Schedule

Step 5: Choose a Christian name for your child

The Church does not want your child’s name to be inappropriate for a Christian. It is best if the child’s first or middle name is shared by someone well-known for Christian faith and goodness. Choosing a saint’s name gives your child a hero to imitate, and a helper in prayer.

For more information:

Please contact Dora Collins at 720-283-4737 or dcollins@stmarylittleton.org to register for a preparation class, schedule a Baptism or for receive information about Baptism at Saint Mary Parish.

pdf Infant Baptism Policy

FAQs

When are baptisms held at Saint Mary Parish?

Baptisms at Saint Mary Parish are held the first and third Sunday of the month at 1:30pm following the 12:00pm Mass and every other Sunday during the noon Mass. Advance registration is required. Contact Dora Collins at 720-283-4737 or dcollins@stmarylittleton.org

When are Baptism classes held?

Classes meet from 1:30pm - 3:30pm
in the Pastoral Center Dining Room

    (upcoming classes)
  • Sunday, November 13, 2011
  • Sunday, December 11, 2011
  • Sunday, January 08, 2012
  • Sunday, February 12, 2012
  • Sunday, March 11, 2012
  • Sunday, April 08, 2012
  • Sunday, May 13, 2012
  • Sunday, June 10, 2012
  • Sunday, July 08, 2012
  • Sunday, August 12, 2012

Printer-friendly Baptism Class Schedule

What is a practicing Catholic?

A practicing Catholic is someone who accepts and strives to live the teaching and Commandments of Jesus Christ as handed on to us by the Catholic Church, and who regularly participates in the worship of the Church. A practicing Catholic receives the Sacraments regularly, and supports the Church financially.

What if we’re not practicing?

NOW, is the time to begin. Register at a parish and start attending Mass. Seeking Baptism for your child presumes that you are striving to live your faith.

What if one of us is not Catholic?

At least one parent of the child must be willing to guarantee that the child will be brought up in the practice of the Catholic Faith. A grandparent or legal guardian may also make this guarantee, provided that the parent is not opposed to the Baptism.

What if I’m single, divorced, or remarried?

Your marital status has nothing to do with your decision to baptize your child. What is important is that you are committed to doing everything in your power to raise and properly form your child in the Faith. That starts with living a holy life yourself. Like any parents of baptized children, this is the time for you to renew your own commitment to living as a faithful, fully practicing Catholic, and to turn back from any areas of your life where you may not have been living in conformity with His commandments.

Also, if your current situation in some way prevents you from participating fully in the life of the Church, we would like to do whatever we can to help you return to full communion.

What if my child is over 7 years old?

If your child has already reached the age of reason, it is important that he/she know what Baptism is, and consent to it. Such a child should participate in RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) classes.

Can a non-Catholic be a godparent?

A Non-Catholic Christian can be an official witness to your child’s Baptism, but there must be at least one godparent who is a fully-initiated and practicing Catholic in good standing.

How many godparents can I have for my child?

There may be two; one man and one woman.