Through the Sacrament of Baptism, God transmits a part of Himself, His Life, His Spirit, with the one who is baptized.  In having their infant/child baptized, parents commit themselves to raise their infant/child in the Catholic faith with the help of godparents, extended family and the parish family.
 
Infant Baptisms are ordinarily conducted on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 pm.   Parents of the infant  must be registered parishioners of St. John Church.  They must call the Parish Office to schedule the Baptism.
 
If the infant is their first child, the parents must attend a Baptismal Instruction program prior to the Baptism.   The Baptismal Instruction program is ordinarily offered the third Sunday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Library, on the second floor of the Parish Center/Offices.   
Parents must call the Parish Office to register for the Baptismal Instruction.

To view a brief video about the rite of Baptism, click here.

Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism during the pandemic:

In accord with the directives to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and to keep everyone safe, the following are to be observed in celebrating the sacrament of Baptism:

1.)  Everyone must wear a mask (excluding the baby).

2.)  No more than 25 people are to be in attendance (The number 25 includes the parents of the baby to be baptized, any brothers or sisters of the baby, and godparents.)   Any children attending the Baptism must be able to remain in the pew during the Baptism.

3.)  There is social distance seating.

4.)  Anyone taking pictures must maintain social distancing.
 
Sponsor(s) / Godparent(s) for Baptism
 
The role of a sponsor/godparent for Baptism is to assist the parents in fostering the faith life of the child.
 
Only one sponsor/godparent is required.  
If there is to be only one sponsor/godparent, he/she must be Catholic and submit a Sponsor/Godparent Certificate from their parish.  The sponsor/godparent may be either male or female.  
If there are to be two sponsors/godparents, there must be one male and one female.  One of the sponsors/godparents must be Catholic and submit a Sponsor/Godparent Certificate from their parish.  The other sponsor/godparent may be a Christian witness, i.e. a baptized non-Catholic.
 
The criteria to be used in selecting the Catholic sponsor/godparent are:
~ be at least 16 years old;
~ not be the parent of the infant to be baptized;
~ baptized and have received the Eucharist;
~ attends Mass on a regular basis;
~ if married, their marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church; and
~ their manner of life is in harmony with the Catholic faith.
The Sponsor/Godparent Certificate attests to these criteria and must be submitted to the Parish Office no later than one week prior to the Baptism.