Baptism

> Please, make an appointment in the Parish Office to receive the information required, three months in advance prior to attend the Preparation Class and/or the Baptism date.

> A copy of the Child’s birth certificate is required.

> Baptisms are held the last Saturday every three months (March, Easter, June, September, December) AT NOON.

> Baptism preparation class is held the second Saturday every three months AT NOON in the Church.

> Godparents must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church. If not registered at St. Malachy, they must obtain a certificate/letter from their own parish stating that they are members in good standing, actively practicing the Faith, and are suitable to act as a godparent.

> Baptism preparation class is to be attended by both the parents and godparents. Kindly arrange for a babysitter to be fully attentive during the presentation.

> The Baptism will be recorded in the permanent parish records from the information provided. Please, confirm the accuracy and spelling of names. A Baptism certificate will be provided either on the baptismal day or by mail after the baptism. Whenever another certificate might be needed, it can be prepared from the parish record.

Requirements for Parents

> Registration parishioner form is available at the Parish Office.

> Permission letter from your parish allowing you to baptize your child outside of your Church if you are not a St Malachy parishioner. If you are not registered at a specific Church you can request the letter from the parish that pertains to your physical address.

> Copy of the Baptismal Preparation Class certificate. The class can be taken at any parish in the world. We suggest you call various parishes to consult for the soonest class. All offer the class on different dates and times of the week in order to accommodate everyone’s different schedule. It cannot be taken online.

Requirements for Godparents

> Copy of Baptism & Confirmation certificate.

> Sponsorship letter stating that you are an active registered parishioner and have permission to be a Godparent.

> Copy of Baptismal preparation class certificate. 

> If one of the sponsors do not have all the sacrament certificates, He or She can be Witness of Honor.

> If one of the Godparents is not registered in St Malachy or any Church. He/She can register at St Malachy. He/She must attend Mass and contribute to the Church at least for six months.

ALL OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DOCUMENTATIONS IS NEEDED TO BRING IN PERSON ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE BAPTISM’S DATE.
 

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1213