Baptism
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Through Baptism, we are freed from sin, reborn as children of God, become members of Christ and His Church, and share in the Church's mission.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213Whether you are seeking Baptism for yourself or for your child, we are honored to accompany you on this sacred journey. Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Christ and His Church, and we are excited to welcome you every step of the way.
No matter where you are in life, our parish has a process to help you prepare to receive this first sacrament with faith, confidence, and joy. We look forward to walking with you as you begin this beautiful chapter of your faith journey. Please see below to learn more about the process for Baptism or becoming a godparent.Have you been asked to be a godparent for a Baptism?
What an honor and responsibility! Godparents must meet the Catholic Church's requirements, as outlined in the form linked below. This form (or a similar form from your own parish) is required for Baptism at St. Paul Parish, as well as for St. Paul parishioners serving as godparents at another parish.
Please note that parishioners must be registered with St. Paul Parish for at least three months before requesting to schedule a Baptism or a Letter of Eligibility to be a godparent.
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Contact Us
- Baptism for Infants
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Dcn. John Italiajohn_italiabofa.comCoordinator of Parish Ministry - Baptism for Adults & Reception into the Church
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Dcn. Frank Crivellofcrivellostpaulsofprinceton.orgCoordinator of OCIA
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getting started
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From the earliest days of the Christian Community, the baptism of infants has been celebrated so that they may be brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all are called. Parents who request baptism for their child accept the responsibility of nourishing the life of baptismal grace through their child's Christian education and formation.
Baptism is celebrated at St. Paul Parish on most Sundays at 3:00pm (Please refer to the parish calendar for the exact schedule).Prior to Baptism:
Parents are required to attend a pre-Baptismal gathering before their child's Baptism. During this session, we discuss the meaning of the sacrament and review what to expect during the Baptism celebration.
Pre-Baptismal gatherings in English are typically held on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9:30am in the church. Because schedules may occasionally change, please refer to the parish calendar to confirm the date and time. Advance registration is required.
Parents who would like to have their child baptized should complete a Baptism Request Form online.
Please request your preferred Baptism date about two months in advance. Please note that families must be registered with St. Paul Parish for at least three months before requesting a Baptism date.
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For adults and children of catechetical age (7 years or older) the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process through which one prepares to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) and becomes a member of the Christian community. The Sacraments of Initiation for adults are celebrated during the Easter Vigil. For more information on the OCIA process, please click here.
Already been baptized?
Those who have been validly baptized in another Christian church or ecclesial community with water and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit are not baptized again when entering into full communion with the Catholic Church. Through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), they prepare to make a Profession of Faith and, if needed, receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
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Together with the parents, the sponsor (godparent) presents the child for Baptism and supports the child's lifelong formation in the Catholic faith. Through personal example and faithful Christian living, the sponsor helps the baptized grow in a life that reflects the grace of the sacrament and represents the support of the wider Christian community.
Because of the importance of this role, the Church has established specific requirements for sponsors (Code of Canon Law, canons 872–874). A child may have one male sponsor, one female sponsor, or one of each.
A sponsor must:- Be chosen by the parents (or by the person being baptized, if an adult).
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Be a fully initiated Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
- Be living a life of faith consistent with this responsibility, including regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
- If married, be married according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
- Not be the father or mother of the person being baptized.
For St. Paul Parishioners:
Parishioners must be registered with St. Paul Parish for at least three months before requesting to schedule a Baptism or a Letter of Eligibility to serve as a godparent.
Members of St. Paul Parish who have been asked to serve as a sponsor or godparent for a Baptism at another parish should download the Sponsor Eligibility Form, sign it, and return it to the parish office for the pastor’s signature.
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