"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." ~ Galatians 3:27
We welcome and congratulate families who wish to pass on their faith through the Sacrament of Baptism! Baptism is the basis of our entire Christian life. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God.
For a child to be baptized in the Catholic Faith, there must be a basis for hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In practice, this means that at least one parent is Catholic. It is the hope of the Church that presenting their children for Baptism will call parents to a greater commitment to Jesus Christ and the practice of the Catholic faith. Parents are encouraged to reflect spiritually on the meaning of parenthood and to recognize that baptism is the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Infant baptism is bestowed on children from birth until just before the seventh birthday.
If you have any questions, please contact Carole Romanini at [email protected] or in the Parish Office at 757.426.2180.
Baptisms take place during one of our four weekend Masses, generally rotating from week to week through the different Mass times. For example:
St. John the Apostle Church welcomes every parent to bring your child forth for baptism, no matter what your circumstances might be.
If your child is at least seven years of age but has NOT received the Sacrament of Baptism, contact John Domingo at 757.426.2180 or [email protected] for more information.
Classes are held in Activity Room A from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
All parents seeking baptism for their children must attend this class. Pre-registration is required, so please contact the parish office during regular business hours to register at 757.426.2180. Baptisms cannot take place until after the class has been attended.
The primary role of a Catholic Godparent is to support the parents in the upbringing of the children as Catholic Christians and to be an example of lived Catholic faith for the child. Only one Catholic Godparent is required by Canon Law. No more than one man and one woman may stand as Godparents.