Baptism

What a wonderful time in your life, the celebration of God’s gift of a child and parenthood! Your decision to have your child baptized into the Catholic faith is very important to you, your child and the Catholic Church.

Parents are asked to attend a Baptismal Preparation seminar prior to the baptism of their first child. This seminar affords the parents an opportunity to better understand their own faith, as well as its practices.

Baptism Preparation seminars are held quarterly, typically the last Monday in March, June, September and November. Contact Joan Duncan at the parish office 724-744-7474 (ext 105) or by email [email protected] to register for the seminar.

Scheduling a Date for Baptism

Baptisms are celebrated at the following times/dates:

The Second Sunday of the month following the 10:30 am mass

The Fourth Sunday of the month during the 10:30 am mass (only 1 or 2 baptisms may be scheduled for this session)

To schedule the baptism please contact Joan Duncan at the office.

God Parents

In the Catholic tradition, Godparents are chosen to assist the parents in the teaching and modeling the practice of the Faith. Choosing god parents is an awesome responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. According to Canon Law, only one of the Godparents needs to be an eligible Roman Catholic. (See the Qualifications below). A Christian Witness may also be chosen. A Christian Witness is defined as an adult who was baptized in a Christian faith and continues to practice that faith. Note: An adult who was baptized in the Catholic faith and left to practice another faith cannot be considered a Christian Witness.

Sponsor Qualifications:

For a Catholic person to be eligible to act as a Godparent or Sponsor the following is required:

Be at least 16 years old

Be a fully initiated Catholic – received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist

Be a registered, participating member of a Roman Catholic parish.

If they are married, they are married within the laws of the Catholic church

If the Godparent is not from St Barbara Church, an eligibility form is required to be sent to the parish office no later than 10 days prior to the baptism. Contact Joan Duncan with any questions about these requirements.

The Day of Baptism

If the baptism is scheduled to be held after mass, be in the narthex no later than 11:30 am

If the baptism is scheduled to be held during the 10:30 mass, be in the narthex no later than 10:10.

Joan Duncan will meet the families for the baptisms. It is requested that the child be dressed in their baptismal garment upon arrival to the church.

Stipend

The usual stipend for the priest/deacon who is officiating the baptism is $25. That may be given as either a check or cash.