Baptism

Baptism: A new beginning

In the Catholic Church, Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation and the foundation of Christian life.

Instituted by Jesus Christ and commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), Baptism frees us from sin, makes us children of God, and welcomes us into the Body of Christ, the Church.

Through the pouring of water and the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” a person is spiritually reborn and begins a lifelong journey of faith. As the gateway to all the other sacraments, Baptism is a profound gift and an important step in the life of every Christian.

The Church encourages parents to baptize their children within the first three months after birth. However, Baptism may be received at any age, and we warmly welcome all who are seeking this sacrament.

Frequently Asked Questions

To schedule a Baptism, please contact the Parish Office at parish@sainthelenachurch.org or 610-275-7711.

Baptisms are celebrated every Sunday immediately following the 11:00 AM Mass.

One of our priests or deacons will celebrate the sacrament and looks forward to welcoming your child, family, and friends on this joyous occasion.

First-time parents requesting Baptism for their child are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Session, also known as Pre-Jordan. These sessions are held on the first Monday of each month.

This session is designed to help deepen your understanding of the sacrament and the responsibilities of raising a child in the Catholic faith. Parents are encouraged to attend before their child is born. Godparents are welcome but not required to attend. The program also provides an opportunity to meet other families preparing for Baptism in a welcoming and informal setting where questions are encouraged.

At least one parent must be an active, registered, practicing Catholic.

Godparents play an important role in the spiritual life of a baptized child. Above all, they are to serve an example of living the Catholic faith well in all areas of life. Thus, they should themselves be practicing Catholics with a strong faith.

There may be one godparent or two godparents. If two are chosen, they must be one man and one woman.

To serve as a godparent, a person must:

– Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation
– Be a practicing Catholic who actively participates in the life of the Church
– If married, be married in the Catholic Church or in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church
– Be at least 16 years of age
– Obtain a signed Certificate of Eligibility from his or her parish

If someone is not Catholic, has fallen away from the practice of the faith, or is married outside the Church, they should not be selected to serve as godparents.

If there is only one godparent, a Christian Witness may be chosen. While this role differs from a godparent, it is permitted for a baptized Christian. Their primary role is to witness the Sacrament of Baptism. *This excludes baptized Catholics who now attend another Christian community. Those who do so are not eligible to be a godparent or Christian Witness.

All godparents must be 16 years of age or older.