Questions about Baptism What are the requirements for baptism? Parent(s) must be registered members of St. Francis de Sales. Parent(s) must attend our Baptism Preparation Class. Parent(s) must submit a completed Baptismal Information Sheet.  In the case of adoption; adoption papers must be submitted. At what age are children usually baptized? Canon #867 states that, if an infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptized without any delay. Under ordinary circumstances, states Canon #867, parents are to see to the Baptisms of their infants within the first few weeks.  However, with so many new adjustments, most parents wait until the household gets settled.  Therefore, parents usually have their infants baptized within the first few months. What about single parents or parents who weren't married in the church? We will be happy to discuss your particular situation.  Single parents and parents who weren't married in the church are welcomed to have their child baptized.  Perhaps this would be a great faith opportunity for the parents as well. What are the requirements for godparents? At least one godparent must be a Catholic in "Good Standing." "Good Standing" means that the godparent is a practicing Catholic and must be able to get a "signed and sealed" godparent certificate from his/her parish priest.  A non-catholic may serve as a "witness" at the baptism. Church law also insists that a godparent be at least 16 years old, fully initiated (having received Confirmation and Eucharist), be someone other than the legal parents and one who leads a life in harmony with the Church. Above all, a godparent serves a special role for one to be baptized.  Godparents are to represent the Christian Catholic community, the Church.  Godparents are to assist the child's parents in raising their child in our Catholic faith, so that the child may profess and live it as an adult. Is there a fee? Yes, a nominal $20 fee for St. Francis de Sales parish.  A gratuity for the priest is at your discretion. Can we have the baptism celebrated in another church but do the preparation here? Yes, you can participate in our Parent Baptism Class and we will send the necessary paperwork to the other church.  Why doesn't St. Francis de Sales baptize infants during Lent? In the event of an emergency or special circumstances, we will, most certainly, baptize during Lent.  However, under normal circumstances, we do not baptize during Lent since we, together with the church throughout the world, are symbolically waiting for the Waters of Baptism to flow at Easter.