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.
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.
Our parish requires parents to register for and participate in a baptism preparation class. If the class is taken at a different parish, written proof of attendance must be provided.
Baptism preparation classes are held on the first Tuesday of alternating months (six times per year) from 7:00 to 9:00 in the parish activity room. See dates below. To register, call 757.426.2180.
If you are a participating member of a parish other than St. John the Apostle, but wish to have your child baptized here, you will need to provide us with a Permission Letter from the pastor of the Catholic Church in which you are registered.
Baptisms take place during one of our four weekend Masses, generally rotating from week to week through the different Mass times. For example, on the first weekend of the month, baptisms are celebrated at the 5:00 pm Vigil Mass on Saturday evening; the following week at the 7:30 am Sunday Mass, and so on. Baptisms are not celebrated on the fifth Sunday of the month. Please phone the parish office for a list of specific dates and times at 757.426.2180. Note that the Catholic Church does not permit baptisms during the season of Lent.
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 phone 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.
Catholics who desire to serve as Godparents must provide St. John’s with a Letter of Sponsor Eligibility from their home parish stating that they are registered members in good standing and are qualified to serve in this role.
If you are a registered member of St. John the Apostle and have been asked to be a Godparent at another parish, you will need to provide them with a Letter of Eligibility. Please click here to download the form; submit it to our parish office for Fr.’s signature and we will be happy to send it to the baptizing church for you.