Adults or children seven years or older:

The normal process is the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). Contact the Parish Office at 302-378-5800.

Infants:

Three months before the due date of the child’s birth or the Baptism, parents should attend the parish Baptism preparation program. Contact the Parish Office at 302-378-5800.

Scheduling:

After attending the parish baptismal preparation program and the office receives the Letter(s) of Suitability for the godparent(s), then the date can be set. Since the numbers and dates are limited, parents need to call the office before planning parties, etc. Contact the Parish Office at 302-378-5800.  Baptisms are celebrated during mass times or if needed, they are celebrated outside of mass the second & fourth Sunday of the month at St. Joseph Parish at noon. Baptisms are also celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church.  Baptisms are celebrated during mass times or if needed, they are celebrated outside of mass at 11:00 am.  There is a $50 baptismal fee.

Godparents/Sponsors:

Godparents and/or Sponsors for Baptism must meet the requirements of Canon Law: A person who is at least 16 years old, have celebrated all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and they must be living a life in harmony with the teaching of the church. It is the third requirement that most often causes difficulty. It is generally interpreted to mean that a person is registered in a parish and, if married is in a valid marriage. This means that the marriage must have taken place in the Catholic church or, if celebrated in the church of another denomination the couple must have received permission of the Catholic Church for this to take place.

One godparent is required, and must be Catholic; two are permitted, provided one is male and the other female. One must be Catholic.

A baptized Christian who is practicing the faith of Jesus and who is at least 16 years old may be one of the two Godparents (and is called a Christian Witness) but is not considered a sponsor.

A proxy is a person delegated by the godparent to stand in his or her place if they are unable to be present at the Baptism.