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FAQs
At what age can I baptize my child?
A child may be baptized shortly after birth. In fact, they can be baptized at the hospital shortly after birth if the health of the child is in danger. To be baptized as a “child”, the child must be less than 8 years old. After that, the child would need to take classes to learn about being initiated into the church.
Can I baptize my child if we, the parents, are not married in the church or I am a single parent?
Yes. You as the parents can and should have your child baptized even if you are not baptized, or living together out of wedlock, or married (not in the catholic church), or a single parent.
The important thing is that your child receive such a special sacrament.
Do I need to be a parishoner at St. Mark's to have my child baptized at St. Mark's?
You do not have to be a parishioner. You can have your child baptized here even if you are not a registered parishioner; but since you are showing an interest in your children being baptized here, it is recommended that you and your family do register here as active members in the St. Mark community and can receive any spiritual help from our pastor. You would become part of our pastoral community.
Who should I pick for my child's godpartents?
Just as great athletes pick the best trainers, it is important that you pick practicing catholics as the godparents to help guide your child through his/her spiritual journey during his/her life. After you, the parents, the godparents are the most important role models for your child.
How many godparents should my child have?
1 person is sufficient. However, it is recommended that 2 people be selected that can represent the parents when the parents are not available to guide the child through their spiritual journey. They can be a couple that is married in the Catholic church, or brothers and sisters, or 2 close Catholic friends (they do not necessarily have to be a man and a woman, can be 2 men or 2 women).
Can I chose godparents that are not Catholic?
No. The godparents must be practicing Catholics. If they do not practice their Catholic faith, the sacrament is not valid. It would just be an empty ritual.
Do I need to attend pre-baptismal classes?
Yes. All parents and godparents must attend a pre-baptismal class which teaches the importance of the Sacrament of Baptism. You may take the classes here or at another parish that offers pre-baptismal classes and will provide you with a certificate of completion.
At St.Mark, we offer the pre-baptismal classes online which you can take from the comfort of your own home at a date and time that is convenient for you, and upon successful completion, you can download your certificate of completion.
When should I take pre-baptismal classes?
You must present your Certificate of Completion of the Pre-Baptismal classes at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the Baptism.
If you take the classes online at St.Mark, the office will automatically receive your certificate upon successful completion. And it will be stored in our database should you lose your certificate so we can send you a copy.
What should I bring the day of the Baptism?
You should bring a candle, a bible and a rosary. The child should be dressed in white which represents Christ’s vestiments. You should arrive early so you do not miss the start of the celebration, because missing any part of the Ritual of Baptism invalidates the Sacrament.