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What is baptism?

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. We are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.”

This page is for parents seeking to have their children (age seven and under) baptized. For children between the ages of seven and seventeen, please contact the staff member who oversees faith formation for the age grouping of your child. For adults seeking baptism, please reach out to our RCIA director.

If you are not a member of OLMC parish, you should contact your nearest Catholic parish to request a baptism. You are a member of OLMC if (1) you are registered and attend Mass here on Sundays or (2) live within the parish boundaries of OLMC.

REQUEST FOR BAPTISM

Please follow the instructions to complete a Request for Baptism. Initial Form: Request for Baptism. The form is fillable, but not submitted electronically:

  • Download the Request for Baptism, using Adobe Reader

  • Save the form with your Last Name

  • Exit the website

  • Access your downloaded pdf

  • Fill in all areas

  • For signature, click on the “pen” icon, located on the upper tabs of the form. (Sign document by drawing a signature)

  • Click “add signature” then click “apply”

  • Place the digital signature on the proper signature field

  • Save the completed form, confirm Last Name.

  • Email the completed request to Fr. Ignatius. Click here now.

SPONSOR FORM

You will find the sponsor form here: SPONSOR/GODPARENT FORM (Please download this form.)

  • Instructions for Parishioners

    • Fill out the top portion, then come to parish office to complete in person. This portion must be completed by the individual requesting to be a sponsor. Since this is an affidavit, you may not fill this out for someone else.

  • Instructions for Non-Parishioners

    • Fill out top portion, then complete bottom portion with your home parish.

  • Versión en Español (Spanish baptisms will take place the 4th Sunday of the month-after Mass)

Verificacion para Padrino de Bautismo

Parents
Parents wanting to baptize a child younger than seven years at Our Lady of Mount Carmel should download the “Request for Baptism” form or come to the office and ask for it from any of our receptionists. If the child is 7 or older, baptism will be done within the age appropriate faith formation program. Parents must realize, when asking for baptism of their child, that they will be promising, before God, to train their child in the practice of the faith. Parents from another parish wishing to baptize at Our Lady of Mount Carmel will be required to provide a letter of permission from their pastor.

Parents will be contacted within two weeks and they will be advised of the required paperwork and preparation. Parents may be asked to meet with a parish priest.


Godparents
Godparents are present in order to represent both the expanded spiritual family of the one to be baptized and the role of the Church as a mother. As occasion offers, godparents help the parents so that children will come to profess the faith and live up to it.
Godparents must meet the following requirements as specified in Canon law:

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Have received all Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

  • Practice their Catholic faith by joining every week in the celebration of the Mass and receiving communion

  • No cohabiting. If married, the marriage must have been celebrated according to the Rite of the Catholic Church

  • Registered parishioner of a Catholic parish

Some proof of the godparents meeting these requirements may be required by the preparer. As a minimum, at least one godparent must meet all the listed requirements.


Pre-Baptismal Seminars
The preparation for baptism is of vital concern to God’s people, the Church, which hands on and nourishes the faith received from the apostles. We are using online videos in place of live seminars. That information will be provided once we receive your completed Request for Baptism form.


Baptism dates
We currently celebrate baptisms the second and fourth Saturday of the month at 11:00 AM, although on occasion the time will change. Once the necessary preparation and paperwork are complete, parents can choose among the available dates. We are observing social distancing and wearing masks for the celebration of baptism.

Photography Policy

1. Photographers should not disrupt the celebration of baptism with movements especially while everyone is seated.

2. Photographers must NOT use flash during the ceremony.

3. Photographers must NOT step or go to sanctuary section (where all Altar and priest/Deacon uses.

4. Photographers MUST be respectful of other families participating at baptism 4. Ladders/equipment to aid elevation during photo sessions are not allowed inside the Church.

5. Photography should be minimized during the celebration, families are welcome to take photos before or after baptism.