The first step is to  come in to the Parish Office to pick up a Baptism Registration package.

Our office is open Monday – Thursday, 8:30 – 4:00pm.  No appointment is necessary – simply just come and introduce yourself to begin this wonderful and joyous process!
Also, if you haven’t already, please make sure you’re registered with our Parish prior to starting this process. Registration can be found below:  https://old.stthomaswaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/StThomasWaterdown_Registration_Form_2018.pdf

Children up to and including Grade Two may be baptized. Children 7 years to 12 years receive age appropriate instruction prior to the rite. Those older than 12 are directed to the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.

When families desire to have their child welcomed into the faith community through the sacrament of Baptism, a period of preparation is required. In addition to participation in the Sunday Eucharist, parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation session. Godparents are also invited and encouraged to join the parents for this catechetical meeting.  Meetings will take place on the last Sunday of the month following the 11:30am Mass. Registration through the Office is required.

Baptisms can take place during any weekend mass, or on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 12:45pm, following the 11:30am mass.

The role of the godparents is a religious one. They are to accompany the child in the development of his/her faith. Although as many god parents who are needed may be present, only two are recorded by the parish – one God Mother and one God Father.

Since the godparents’ role is to assist the parents in raising the child as a Catholic, their selection is a very important decision. Canon 874 states that to serve as a godfather or a godmother, the following conditions must be met:

• To have been chosen and to have the aptitudes and the intention to serve in the function of godparent.
• To be at least 16 years of age.
• To be a Catholic who has completed Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and who lives a life in keeping with the faith.
• To be free from any canonical penalty imposed or declared.
• To be neither the father nor the mother of the baptized.

A baptized non-Catholic could serve with a Catholic godparent acting as a Christian witness to the baptism (meaning there would be one sponsor listed in the parish register and on the Baptism certificate; the other person would be listed as Christian witness)

Not always. They must be baptized themselves is a good first sign. If you are unsure about your desired witness’ religious eligibility please contact the parish office.

We require a letter from your parish of residence stating: (a) you have attended a Baptism Preparation session (b) your pastor grants permission for your child to be baptized in this parish.

Yes, but they should be limited during the celebration of the sacrament of Baptism and should be taken from the pews. Following the ceremony, you may take other pictures with the priest/deacon, family members, etc. Due to the sanctity of the altar and tabernacle and their immediate surroundings, we ask that you respect and reverence this area. Videos of the ceremony should also be limited and discreet.

An offering of thanks to the parish is appreciated to assist with the administrative preparation, meeting materials and complimentary bib & stole garments, if needed.
A gratuity to the clergy is not obligatory, but may be customary.