Prayerfully consider who will fulfill the role of Godparent for your child. Review the expectations below.
Forward the Certificate of Commitment to each Godparent or Christian Witness and have them complete and return.
Demonstrate one or both parents are practicing Catholic and registered members of a Catholic parish. Parents should be striving to practice the Catholic faith. Registration in the parish is an important vital part of your practice. If you feel called to worship here at Holy Spirit Parish, we warmly welcome you to register with us. Additional details are available on our website here: New Membership at Holy Spirit Parish. In the case of nonmembers, we will need a letter of permission and delegation from the pastor of their home parish.
Attend a baptism preparation class within the last six years. More information here.
Provide the church with an original copy of the state issued birth certificate. We have a secured drop box outside the front door of the Parish Center that can be accessed any time day or night. The certificate will be mailed back after the baptism date.
Submit the $25 Sacramental fee per child. Payments can be submitted online (see below) or by checks made payable to Holy Spirit Parish with "Baptism Fee" in the check memo line at the time of registration. If you are unable to pay due to financial hardship, assistance is available. No one will ever be denied a Sacrament. Please contact Leah Ackley at the Parish Office for further questions regarding financial assistance.
SACRAMENTAL FEE - submit payment online here
Godparent Expectations - Read thoroughly
Parents, you likely have lots of friends and family who will serve as fantastic supports for your child. For the Sacrament of Baptism, the Church is quite specific about the qualifications of a Godparent. The person attests to their own Catholic faith and promises to support parents raising the child in that same faith. For clarification, those who have received Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation in the Catholic Church are officially recognized as Godparents. A Baptized Christian from another recognized Christian tradition is recorded as Christian Witness. These designations appear in both the parish’s official sacramental record and on your child’s Baptism certificate. Each person chosen to serve as a Godparent or Christian Witness must complete a Certificate of Commitment.
Pay special attention to the following guidelines of Church Canon Laws 873 and 874 when choosing a Godparent for your child(ren):
A total of only two individuals may be designated per child. Specifically:
One Catholic Godparent, or
One Catholic Godparent and one Christian Witness, or
Two Catholic Godparents (one male and one female). Two Godparents or a Godparent/Christian Witness of the same sex are not permitted.
Only one of the two individuals is required to be Catholic. Specifically:
At least 16 years of age
Fully initiated in the Catholic Church (Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation)
Practicing the Catholic faith. Participating in the Sacraments, contributing to parish life, and striving to live in accordance with the teachings of the Church.
Not the father or mother of the child being baptized
A Baptized Christian from another recognized Christian tradition may serve as a Christian Witness, but only with a Catholic Godparent who meets the criteria above. If two Catholic Godparents are chosen, then a Christian Witness is not permitted.
If you’re having trouble narrowing down your candidates or unsure how to list someone, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help you navigate what is both a common and sensitive question for many parents as they discern this important role for their child. It’s understandable—everyone wants to be a Godparent!
Online Baptism Registration Form
One per child. Indicate "TBD" for any missing and/or unavailable information.