Miscellaneous » Sacraments » Baptism

Baptism

"Don't forget that the greatest inheritance you can give to your children is the faith. Try to see that it is not lost, nurture it and leave it as an inheritance."  Pope Francis, January 10, 2016 

Parents
 
At least one of the parents of a child being baptized must be a baptized catholic themselves. If neither parent has been baptized catholic, please request a meeting with our pastor to provide reasonable assurance that the child will be raised in the faith. Non-catholic parents who are interested in becoming catholic or finishing their sacraments are welcome to explore our RCIA program. We would love to guide you!
Has your child been baptized in the hospital?
 
If so, he/she will not need to be baptized again. If you would like to arrange for a blessing, which "looks the same" as a baptism, and takes place at the same time (with everything but the pouring of water), just contact the parish office.
 
Depending on the age of your child:
  • Only infants (under 18 months) can be baptized during one of the weekend Masses.

  • Infants, toddlers and children up to 6 years old who are not yet in school can be baptized at one of the regularly scheduled baptism services.

  • School age children (7 years old & over) need to be catechized in school or through our Faith Formation program before being baptized. Please contact our Director of Faith Formation at the Parish Office.

  • Adults seeking baptism should consider our RCIA program.

 

4 Steps to Schedule A Baptism:

 

1. TAKE THE BAPTISMAL PREPARATION CLASS  

Both parents need to take a Baptismal Preparation Class, either here or at another parish.  If you have taken it previously, you do not need to take it again. Godparents are welcome to take the class, but are not required to.  
 

St. Josaphat’s Baptismal Preparation class is usually held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the church and lasts for about 30-45 minutes. You will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the class, and this serves as proof that you have taken the class (other parishes may require this if you are to be a Godparent to a baby being baptized at that parish). Classes with less than 2 families participating are subject to cancellation and will be rescheduled.

2. SELECT GODPARENTS

  • Only one godparent is required.

  • At least one godparent must be a baptized and confirmed practicing Catholic (the godparents are taking on the responsibility of helping to raise the child in the Catholic faith after all).

  • If you have someone you want to be a godparent but the person is not Catholic, that person may be present as a Christian Witness if he or she is a baptized Christian. A non-baptized person cannot be a godparent for a Catholic baptism.

  • There is to be only one male godparent or one female godparent, or one of each. 

  • If you want more godparents, you can have as many Honorary Godparents as you want – but we only have room to record one male and one female (we don’t make the record books, we just follow Church law). Christian witnesses are recorded in the same place as godparents, with the notation “Christian Witness”. Honorary Godparents are not recorded.

3. DETERMINE WHICH BAPTISMAL DATE WORKS FOR YOU

A maximum of four children can be baptized at our 11:15am baptism services. Please check availability with the parish office. 
Note: As of August 2023, we are suspending baptisms during Masses and only offer Baptism Services. Check back for news on reinstatement.
2025 Dates 
 
Dates and times are subject to change.
1/5/25     Sun    11:15am    Service
1/19/25    Sun   12:30pm    Service
2/9/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
2/16/25     Sun    12:30pm    Service
3/2/25     Sun    12:30pm    Service
No Baptisms during Lent:  Wed 3/5-4/17 (Easter is 4/20/25)
4/27/25     Sun    11:15am    Service 
5/11/25    Sun    11:15am    Service - Mother’s Day
5/18/25    Sun    11:30 am    Service
No Baptisms 5/4/25: May Crowning & 1st Grade Family Mass
No Baptisms Sun 6/1/25 (date tentative): 10am 8th Grade Graduation Mass
6/8/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
6/15/25    Sun    11:15am    Service - Father’s Day 
7/6/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
7/13/25    Sun    11:15am     Service
8/3/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
8/10/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
9/7/25    Sun    11:15am    Service (Labor Day is 9/1/25)
9/21/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
10/5/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
10/19/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
11/9/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
No Baptisms on Feast of St. Josaphat Mass/Service Awards 
11/23/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
12/7/25    Sun    11:15am    Service
12/14/25    Sun    11:15am    Service

4. SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD'S BAPTISM

After you have taken Baptismal Preparation and chosen godparents, call the Parish Office at (773) 327-8955 to schedule your child's baptism date.

  • Please ensure that you have selected godparents before calling the office - we cannot reserve a baptism date without all required information.

  • Please do not ask the office to reserve a baptism date until you have completed the steps above.

 

 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (click each question to expand)