Why baptize a baby or toddler? Why can’t they decide as a teenager?
This is a great question. First, because we want to welcome your family into our family. Second, because you’re never too young to experience just how much God loves us, and in turn, share that love with others. In baptism, you and your child’s godparent(s) promise to show your child how to be a follower of Jesus through your words and actions. You promise to form your child in our Christian faith so that as they grow, they are able to make choices that are life-giving and liberating. Ultimately, when it is time for your child to be confirmed as a teenager, your child will have the chance to reaffirm (or, confirm, hence, the word confirmation) the promise that you make in their name at baptism. We want our children to grow up to be happy and free to live the life of their dreams. Baptism- saying yes to God’s love in our lives- is the first step in this process.
Do I have to register in the Parish to have my child baptized?
No, you do not have to be registered in our Parish to have your child baptized in St. Clare of Assisi Parish. However, you do need to be registered in a Parish in our Diocese. If you are not registered in our Parish you will need to obtain a letter of permission from the Pastor of the Church you are registered at. If you’d like to register at our Parish, you can click here to get started.
Who can be a Godparent, and how many Godparents do we need?
A Godparent is a Catholic, typically 16 years of age or older, who has received the three Sacraments of Inititian: Baptism, First Eucharist & Confirmation. We call a person who has received these three sacraments a fully-initiated Catholic. In addition to being fully initiated, your godparent should be a person who is willing to help you and your child be the best you can be as you grow in faith. A Godparent can even be a Grandparent, but they cannot be a child’s biological parent.
Only one fully initiated Godparent is necessary for Baptism, though many families choose to have a Godmother and a Godfather. If you choose two Godparents, the second person can be listed as Christian witness if they are a practicing Christian of another denomination, as long as there is a godparent who is a fully- initiated Catholic.
If your Godparent(s) are not registered at St. Clare of Assisi Parish they will need to complete a Sacramental Sponsorhip Certificate and have signed and sealed by the Parish they are registered at.
What kind of preparation is involved?
If this is your first or second child, at least one parent is asked to attend Baptismal Preparation Class. If this is your third or more child, you do not need to attend the class again. Again, only one parent is asked to attend the preparation session.
All classes take place at The Swedesboro Parish Hall at 140 Broad Street in Swedesboro, NJ 08085, at 7:00 pm on the fourth Tuesday of the Month.
When can I schedule a Baptism?
We currently celebrate Baptisms on Sundays after the 9:30 AM Mass in Gibbstown or the 11 AM Mass in Swedesboro. We encourage you to attend Mass before the Ceremony as a family.
In order to schedule a Baptism for your child(ren) you need to complete the following:
- Complete Baptismal Registration Form online here
- Attend the Baptism Prep Class (if this is your first or second child)
- Turn in your signed and sealed Sacramental Sponsorship Certificate from your Godparent(s).
Once all of these are received you will be able to schedule your Baptism.
What else do I need to do?
Our parish recommends a donation of $50 at the time of baptism. This amount offsets the cost of materials that you receive at the preparation class and helps our parish to sustain itself. You can make this offering in cash or in check on the day of baptism. If there are any financial obstacles, please give us a call and we’re happy to work with you.
Finally, please take a moment to complete this form. After you complete the form you will receive an email with the next steps you need to complete that are outlined above. If you don’t hear from us within 7 Business Days, give us a call to make sure your form was received.