Congratulations and blessings on your new baby!  Here's what you need to know about baptisms at St. Gabriel Church.   
 

Parents  must be registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Church to have a baby baptized at St. Gabriel Church.  

If you are not a registered parishioner, and would like to join our parish family, welcome!  Register on-line here.  

If you are registered at another parish and would like to have your child baptized at St. Gabriel Church, approval from your pastor is required.  Please contact your parish for approval and provide us with a letter from your parish granting permission for the baptism to take place at St. Gabriel Church.

Baptism Preparation:  Here are the steps to follow to prepare for your baby's baptism:

1.   Baptism Class:  If this is your first child, the first step is to attend a Baptism Class, which is required by the Catholic Church. Baptism Classes are held in English on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00 am in the Chapel.  This class is designed for first-time parents who have not had an older child baptized.  Please register for the baptism class 6 - 8 weeks in advance of your desired bapism date by contacting Carolyn Tillman. Both parents are welcome to attend the class, but only one is required to attend.  If this is your second or subsequent child and you have already attended a baptism class for your first child, then the baptism class requirement is met for your family.   

2. Schedule the Baptism:   Baptisms are scheduled on Saturdays at 12:00 pm Noon for babies who are under 1 year old and on Saturdays at 12:30 or 1:00 pm for children ages 1 - 6 years.  Please see the Older Child Baptism section below regarding children 7 years of age and older.  We may also be able to make special arrangements for Sunday afternoon or Friday evening baptisms.  To schedule a baptism, call or email Carolyn Tillman .  Baptisms celebrated by a specific clergy member must be coordinated with that clergy member's schedule. 

3.  Select Godparents:  At least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic and must provide St. Gabriel Church with a letter from his/her parish stating that he/she is a member in good standing.  Mail or email the letter to Carolyn Tillman at least one week prior to the baptism.  If the godparent is a member of St. Gabriel Church, please let us know and the letter of good standing is not needed. 

4.  Stipend for Priest or Deacon:  It is customary to thank the priest or deacon who baptizes your baby by providing a stipend to them at the ceremony. A typical baptistm stipend is $25, but may be more if you wish.   Checks should be made payable directly to the clergy member who officiates.  Thank you. 

5.  Baptism Information Form:  Complete the form (below).  This form contains all the information we will need to record the baptism in the church records and to prepare the baptism certificate for you and needs to be completed for all children.  

Complete Baptism Information Form here

Questions:  Contact Carolyn Tillman

Complete the on-line Baptismal Information Form

Congratulations and blessings on your new baby!  Here's what you need to know about baptisms at St. Gabriel:

Godparents support the baptized in their Christian walk.  At least one godparent must be Catholic, presenting a letter from their home parish stating that they are actively practicing the Catholic faith.   

If the other godparent is not Catholic, he/she is considered to be a "Christian witness" and may participate in the baptism.  His/her name will not be listed on the baptism certificate, though.

Children must be baptized prior to receiving First Reconciliation and First Communion.

The Catholic Church traditionally recognizes all baptisms performed by other Christian denominations. Unbaptized adults who wish to receive the sacrament of baptism at St. Gabriel Catholic Church should contact Dr. David Glasow, our Director of Evangelization, here.