It is a joy to help our parishioners in the process of bringing your child to the font of baptism. Here you will find the requirements and preparation for baptism.
Requirements for Infant Baptism
This preparation is for children from 0–6 years of age. If your child is over the age of 6, they will need to do OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) for children, and there is a different form of baptismal preparation.
You need to be registered parishioner at St. Michael. If this is not the case, please send an email to the baptismal coordinator explaining why you are seeking baptism at St Michael.
Contact the baptismal coordinator to schedule your baptism: We ask you to start the process at least two months before the proposed date of baptism. This time is necessary in order to complete a minimal preparation and the paperwork.
Baptisms usually take place at 11:30 a.m. (after the 10 a.m. Mass) on the first Sunday of the month. Baptisms can occur at any time of the year, including Lent.
Birth Certificate: You need to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
Godparents: Choosing one or two godparent is required. It is recommended, to choose both a godfather and godmother for your child, but not required. If this is not possible, a godparent and a Christian Witness can be chosen (of the opposite gender than the godparent). If they cannot be physically present during the baptism, a proxy (someone who acts in representation of them) can stand in their place the day of baptism.
Complete the Application for Baptism: Parents fill out the Application for Baptism and email a copy of your child's birth certificate to baptism@stmichaelportland.org above to set up a day for your child's baptism.
PLEASE NOTE:
If this is the second child you are having baptized at St. Michael’s, we will provide an alternative format for preparation.
Note: A suggested $30 donation is welcomed.
Questions? Send an email to our baptismal coordinator Maggie at: baptism@stmichaelportland.org
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In order to prepare for the sacrament of baptism please:
READ the baptismal preparation booklet.
WATCH the video about the 7 elements of baptism.
MEET with the Baptismal Coordinator. Email Maggie at baptism@stmichaelportland.org
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Requirements to be a godparent:
I am over 16.
I am a baptized Catholic.
I have received all the sacraments of initiation (Baptism and Confirmation).
I am in good standing with the Church, meaning not excommunicated nor renounced the faith.
If in a relationship and living with someone, I testify that I am validly married in the Catholic Church.
I practice the Catholic Faith
The requirements for being a Christian Witness:
I am over 16.
I was baptized “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
I am a practicing Christian
I commit to praying for this child and to helping raise this child in the Catholic faith.
FOR YOUR PREPARATION:
REVIEW the booklet for baptismal preparation
WATCH the video about the 7 elements of baptism.
FILL this Godparent/Christian Witness form.
EXTRA RESOURCE: this video on the role of Godparents.