The request to baptize a child is a great joy in
the life of our parish. The family must be registered in the
parish and practicing the Faith. Under Canon Law, the parish has
no jurisdiction to baptize children from other parochial
jurisdictions. However, if you have a grandchild, etc. that you
would wish to have baptized at St. Mary’s–the following is
necessary. We need a letter from the pastor of the parent’s
parish giving us permission to perform the baptism. If they are
not registered in their parish, they need to do so. Members of
the military services are considered parishioners of the
Archdiocese for Military Services (unless formally registered in
our parish); therefore, a letter from the base/post chaplain is
required to give us the proper canonical authority to proceed
with the Baptism.
Parents must attend/or have attended a Baptismal
class prior to the baptism. Please contact Bill Keimig, Director
of Religious Education, at (301) 292-0527 to find out when the
next class is scheduled (usually it is the 4th Sunday of the
month from 1:15-3:15 PM in the School Library).
A baptismal form must be filled out that will
enable us to enter the permanent record of Baptism.
Canon law is very specific concerning those who
are to stand as godparents. They must be practicing Catholics
who have received the initiation rites of the Church. If the
godparents are from another parish, a certificate of sponsorship
is required from their pastor. This is a protection for the
child to be baptized and the integrity of the Sacrament. Should
one of the godparents be non-catholic he/she will stand as a
Christian witness. This person should be participating fully and
faithfully in his/her Christian tradition. A non-Christian
cannot stand as godparent or witness.
After all the above requirements have been met,
you should call the parish office (301) 292-0527 and contact the
priest that you would like to perform the Baptism to schedule a
date and time for the baptism that is convenient for him.
