Baptism initiates each of us as beloved sons and daughters into the family of God. It is usually celebrated shortly after a baby is born. This sacrament indicates that we have been born to a new life in Christ, made possible by Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection.
Baptism of Infants
“The Christian community welcomes you with great joy.” These are the words of the priest at the beginning of Baptism, so it is fitting for the community to be gathered to welcome these new Christians.
As such, baptisms are normally celebrated communally, either with other families on a Sunday afternoon or with the parish community at Mass.
Communal Baptisms (with up to four babies) are celebrated on Sunday at 1:30pm:
- On the 1st Sunday of the month at St. Paul Church
- On the 2nd Sunday of the month at St. John the Evangelist Church
Baptisms (with one baby) may also be celebrated at select Sunday 9:00am Family Masses with the parish community.
REQUESTING BAPTISM
The first step in requesting baptism for your child is completing our online Baptismal Request Form as soon as possible after the baby is born.
When completing the Baptismal Request Form, you will be shown the baptism schedule for the upcoming months and can indicate your scheduling preference. Once we receive your completed form our Baptismal Coordinator will be in touch to discuss available dates and schedule the baptism (and baptismal preparation if this is your first child to be baptized.)
You can access the form by clicking this link: Baptismal Request Form
BAPTISM PREPARATION
A baptismal preparation meeting is required for all parents who have not had a child baptized previously. (It is recommended but not required for the godparents to attend.) These sessions are currently held monthly on Zoom. If this is your first child to be baptized, our Baptismal Coordinator will schedule the preparation meeting with you when scheduling the baptism.
SPONSORS/GODPARENTS
The mission of the sponsor (godparent) is, with the parents, to present the child for Baptism. They are to help the parents of the child in passing on the practice of the Catholic faith by helping the child grow in his or her relationship with Jesus Christ, in understanding of the beliefs of the Catholic faith, and in familiarity the rituals, prayers, and practices that accompany those beliefs.
A child to be baptized must have one sponsor (godparent), but may have two – one godfather and one godmother.
According to the universal law of the Church, to be admitted to the role of a godparent, a person must be a Catholic who:
- is at least 16 years of age.
- has received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- is not the father or the mother of the child to be baptized.
A baptized non-Catholic Christian may participate as a Christian Witness to the baptism in addition to a Catholic godparent.
Baptism of Children
If you have a child to be baptized who has reached “the age of reason” (generally Grade 2 or 7 years), you and they will receive different preparation. Please contact Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care.
Baptism of Adults
Adults who have never been baptized take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) and will typically be baptized at the Easter Vigil.
For more information please contact our RCIA Coordinators, Svea Fraser and Alan LaFleur at rcia@sjspwellesley.org or by calling either Parish Office (St. John: 781-235-0045 | St. Paul: 781-235-1060)