Celebrating your Child’s Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament that opens the door of faith to your child and welcomes them into the community of Christ! God reaches out to us in all kinds of ways - the desire in your heart to baptize your child is one of them.

The choice to seek baptism for your child is one to take seriously. As parents, you are the primary teachers and witnesses of faith to your children. The promises you make for your child on this day is the greatest gift you can give them.

Whatever your level of faith commitment is at this point, the baptism of your child is a great opportunity to deepen your appreciation and experience of your own relationship with Christ and his Church. All of us, by virtue of our baptism, are called to proclaim the the Good News of Jesus and teach it to our little ones.

Family life is the "domestic church," the most fertile ground for growing in discipleship and holiness, but the Church also stands ready and able to help you along the way.

Your child will be welcomed as a member of this family of faith and initiated as a member of the Catholic Church for life. There’s so much more to learn about celebrating and living this faith - discipleship is life-long learning!
​

When and where do Baptisms take place?

Baptisms at St. John’s are celebrated in the sanctuary and at the Baptismal Fount during our weekend liturgies: Saturdays 5:15 pm, Sundays 8:00 am & 10:00 am.  This is a wonderful sign to our whole assembled community of the vibrancy of our faith and a chance for the faith community to meet its newest member!

What is the role of Godparents?

Traditionally, parents will choose two adults who are confirmed Catholics to be godparents for their child. Godparents should be people who are patient, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic witnesses of the faith who will walk with your child throughout their life.

A non-Catholic Christian may also stand as a witness for a Catholic child, as long as the other sponsor/godparent is a Catholic who has received the sacrament of Confirmation. Non-Christians cannot stand as sponsors, because the Rite of Baptism calls for affirming belief in the Trinity and non-Christians do not have this belief. 

​Pre-Jordan Session (Baptism Preparation) 

Attending a Pre-Jordan session is the first step toward the preparation for infant/child Baptism. The name "Pre-Jordan" refers to Christ's own baptism in the river Jordan by his cousin (and our patron saint), John the Baptist. Pre-Jordan was created for first-time parents and/or those for whom if it's been a long time (three or more years) since their last child's baptism.

Pre-Jordan is an opportunity to connect with other parents, share faith, walk-through the steps of the ritual and ask questions. Sessions are typically offered the first Thursday of each month from 6:00-8:00 pm. Godparents are welcome to attend a Pre-Jordan session to learn more about their responsibilities in the ritual and as life-long witnesses of faith. 

Many parents seem to find it easier to attend a Pre-Jordan session before their child is born, while others choose to wait until afterward. Either way, we ask that you attend a session before we schedule a a date for Baptism. Please contact Deacon Chris Walchuk at:   dcn.cwalchuk@stjohnsmankato.net for more information.