Baptism
Welcome
We are delighted that you are considering Baptism for yourself or your child. Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church and marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus Christ.
Through Baptism, we become children of God, members of the Church, and recipients of God's grace.
At Holy Family Parish, we are honored to accompany individuals and families as they prepare for and celebrate this beautiful sacrament. Whether you are seeking Baptism for your infant, your child, or yourself, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.
Baptism for Infants and Young Children
(Birth–6 Years)
Parents are the primary teachers of the faith, and Baptism is the beginning of a child's life in Christ. We look forward to supporting you as you prepare for this special day.
To prepare for your child's Baptism:
Getting Started
1. Register for a Baptism Preparation Class (required for first-time parents and those who have not attended a class within the past five years).
2. Choose one or two godparents who will help support your child in the Catholic faith.
3. Submit any required godparent sponsor certificates.
4. Once preparation is complete, we will work with you to schedule your child's Baptism.
Baptism Celebrations
Group Baptisms for children ages birth through six years are celebrated on the
first Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Baptism Preparation Class
The Baptism Preparation Class helps parents better understand the meaning of Baptism and their role in nurturing their child's faith.
Fee: $10 (check payable to Holy Family Parish)
To register, please contact:
When: Second Tuesday of every month
Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Location: Room 3, Lower Church Hall
Choosing Godparents
Godparents play an important role in the spiritual life of a baptized child. Together with the parents, they help the child grow in faith and live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
A child may have:
- One godparent
- Two godparents (one male and one female)
Sponsor Certificates
Catholic godparents must provide a sponsor certificate from their parish before the Baptism can be scheduled.
If the godparent belongs to Holy Family Parish, they may contact the parish office at (330) 688-6411 to request a certificate.
If the godparent belongs to another Catholic parish, they should contact their parish office directly.
Christian Witnesses
Children who have reached the age of reason (typically age 7 and older) prepare for Baptism through a formation process adapted specifically for children.
For more information, please contact:
The Church asks that Catholic godparents:
- Be practicing Catholics
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have received Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist
- If married, be in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church
- Not be the child's parent
Requesting a Sponsor Certificate
If you are requesting a sponsor
certificate, we ask that you contact the parish office personally. Because serving as a sponsor or godparent involves affirming that you are an active Catholic in good standing with the Church, our staff needs to speak directly with you regarding your request.
While parents and family members often wish to help, sponsor certificates cannot be requested by another person on your behalf. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Baptism for Adults
Adults interested in becoming Catholic and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism are invited to participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or preparing for Baptism, we would love to hear from you.
For more information, please contact: