Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first and foundational sacrament in the Church. It is through the Sacrament of Baptism that we become members of Christ’s body and it allows us to receive the other Sacraments of the Church. Baptism is available to all who have not yet been baptized into a Christian Church through the pouring/immersion of water and the words: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The Catholic Church recognizes the baptisms of other Christian denominations who meet that criteria.
Through baptism, we are born again, but this time in the spiritual realm instead of the physical. We are cleansed in the bath of rebirth. We are baptized into Christ's Death and therefore share in his Resurrection. Baptism cleanses us of sins and brings the Holy Spirit and his grace into our souls. Baptism is the gateway into the Church, welcoming members into the Christian community.
Parents who want to have their child(ren) to be baptized in the Catholic Church here at the Church of St. Mary should call our parish office to make the arrangements. To help the parents be the primary educators of the faith, we require a baptismal preparation session to be completed before the first child is baptized. This is an important time to learn more about the sacrament, how the parish is here to support our families, and to offer practical ways you can help your child grow in faith as their first teachers of the faith.
Baptisms are celebrated every Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
To register for baptism, please contact the Parish Center at (847) 234-0205.
Godparent/Sponsor Requirements
Must be a baptized* Catholic who has received the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
Must be at least 16 years of age.
Must be free to celebrate the sacraments (ie., leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith).
A godparent can be either male or female, but if two godparents are chosen, one must be male and one female.
Additional Baptism Requirements:
The parents or grandparents of the child to be baptized must be registered parishioners of St. Mary’s.
Suggested donation: $50
Children 5 years of age and older who are to be baptized are required to be registered in a Religious Education Program (CCD).
*A baptized non-Catholic may not be a Godparent/Sponsor, but may serve as a witness along with a Catholic Godparent/Sponsor.
Adults seeking baptism and entrance into the Catholic Church are invited to contact the Parish Center. To find out more about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), click here.