About Baptism Preparation Class

Parents and Godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class.

If you have taken the class within the last two years, you do not need to repeat.

You don’t have to take the class at St. Johns. You can attend a preparation class at any Catholic church that offers baptism preparation. Please include a copy of your class certificate with your paperwork.

  The one-time, two-hour class is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. In the parish office.

Registration for class is required. You can call the parish office (970-635-5800) to register.

The cost is $5.00 per person attending and you can pay the teacher in class.

You will receive a certificate of completion from the class you attend and will need to include the certificate with your paperwork.

 Baptism FAQ’s

I would like to have my baby baptized.  Where do I start?

The first step is to take a Baptism Preparation Class.  Class is required for parents and Godparents.  In class you will receive a packet with forms, information and instructions   Registration is required. You can call the parish office to register (970-635-5800).

I’ve already taken Baptism Preparation Class.  Do I have to take it again?

If you have taken the class within the last two years, you do not need to repeat. Please include a copy of your class certificate with your paperwork.

Do I have to take the class at St. Johns?

No.  You can attend class at any Catholic Church that offers baptism preparation Class.  Please include a copy of your class certificate with your paperwork.

How do I schedule a baptism?

We schedule baptism after parents have completed the Baptism Class and all paperwork has been submitted to the Baptism Coordinator.  Once the paperwork has been reviewed and verified, a baptism date can be scheduled.

Can I have my child baptized if my spouse is not Catholic?

YES!  The consent of at least one parent is required to have your child baptized.

Can a child be baptized if the parents are not married?

YES! The child’s baptism will not be delayed for unmarried parents.

Do we have to be married in the Catholic Church to have our baby baptized?

No.  That will not impact your child’s eligibility to be baptized.

What are the requirements to be a Godparent?

A Godparent must be at least 16 years of age, baptized and confirmed, be a practicing Catholic, and if married, it must be a sacramental marriage that is recognized by the Catholic Church as valid.  Detailed list is included in your packet.

How many Godparents can I have?

Only ONE Catholic Godparent is required, but you can choose to have TWO.  For both to be Godparents they both must meet the requirements for a Catholic Godparent.  No more than 2 are permitted.

Can I have 2 Christian witnesses if I do not have anyone who meets all the requirements to be a Godparent?

No. You are required to have a least ONE Catholic Godparent that meets all the requirements.

Can I have 2 Godmothers or 2 Godfathers?

No. There can be only ONE Godfather or ONE Godmother.  If there are 2 it muse be 1 male and 1 female.

What if one of the Godparents live out of town and can’t attend the baptism.  Can they still be Godparents? 

Yes.  If a Godparent cannot attend the baptismal ceremony, a “proxy” can stand in for them.

How much does it cost to have my child baptized?

St. John’s does not charge for the celebration of sacraments. However, there is a $5 charge to take the baptism class.

What time should we arrive?

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the baptism.  If baptism is at a Mass, allow time for situating your family in the sanctuary.

What should the baby wear for the baptism?

A white garment is traditional.

Can we take pictures at the baptism?

YES!  You can take pictures during the baptism. 

 You will receive a detailed list of requirements in Baptism Preparation Class.

If you have any questions, please call the parish office (970) 635-5800