Has your family just been blessed with a newborn? Do you have an older child who wants to join the faith? Are you an adult who would like to become a Catholic? Our parish has a program for you. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we will be in touch shortly.
Preparing for Baptism
If you are an adult and would like to prepare for baptism, the ordinary course for receiving the Sacrament of Baptism is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. RCIA is typically a two-year long process in which one engages with a group of other believers as they break open the Scriptures, and understand how Christ has spoken to us, and what the demands are of the Christian faith. When a person feels that they are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, they then receive it together with the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ.
If you have a child over the age of seven but not more than 18 years of age, that child would go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC). This typically is a several years-long process by which the child learns about the faith, is able to make a mature decision to embrace the Christian faith and living as a Catholic, the child is then Baptized, and then receives Confirmation and Holy Communion.
If you have a child under seven years of age, including newborns, your child may be baptized directly by a priest or deacon. Baptism is the sacrament by which one is freed of sin and brought into the life of the Church. When you are preparing a child for baptism, the consent of both mother and father is required. The mother and father will select a man and a woman to act as the child's godmother and godfather. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic (having had all of the Sacraments of Initiation, and if married, was married in the Church). The other godparent may be a Christian of any denomination, as long as they are Baptized. This is because the godparents will answer the questions on behalf of the child, such as: Do I believe in God? Do I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of the Body? They must have this faith themselves, that they might be able to communicate these beliefs to children.
The Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament by which one is freed of sin and brought into the life of the Church. Baptism washes away original sin, and incorporates one into the body of Christ.
Baptisms are scheduled on Sundays and are to be celebrated during Mass. Parents must register their children for baptism. Please contact the parish office at (718) 384-0215 or fill out the form below in order to make an appointment to register.
The parents of the child, ideally registered members of our parish, must be practicing Catholics. Godparents must bring a letter from their parish stating that they too are practicing Catholics and are qualified to serve in this important role.
Parents and Godparents must attend one class before baptism. This class is held on the second Saturday of the month.
School aged children who wish to be baptized must be enrolled in the parish’s Religious Education program.
Adults who wish to be baptized must enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.). This is a process that usually begins in the month of September and culminates at the Great Easter Vigil with Baptism, reception of the Eucharist and Confirmation. Those participating in the R.C.I.A. are guided and gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic way of life. Please consult the Religious Education Office for more information.
Would you like to register yourself or your child for a baptism?
- Complete the form below.
- Once your form is received and approved by the parish, you will receive an email or phone call with next steps for an in-person appointment.
- Locate yours or your child's birth certificate and make sure you bring that to the meeting with the parish.