Baptism

Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from original sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213).

Infant Baptism Information
The following guidelines apply to a child under the age of seven (7) years old. For children older than seven (7), please contact the Parish Office.

Families that wish to baptize their child here at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus or St. Augustine must have at least one parent that has been an active and registered member for a minimum of 3 months prior to the scheduled baptism. Active membership includes, but is not limited to, being registered in the parish, attends Sunday Mass weekly, and provides financial and volunteer support of the parish according to one’s means. If neither of the parents or guardians are registered members of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus or St. Augustine, they will be asked to present a letter from the parish they are attending giving permission for the baptism to be celebrated here. If they are not a registered member of any parish, they will have to meet with the pastor before attending baptismal preparation.

Initial Parent Meeting
To begin the process, please contact the parish office at 812-282-2677 to schedule an Initial Parent Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to get to know you and your family better, discuss the baptism process, and fill out required paperwork. This meeting will last about an hour.

Baptism Preparation
Before baptism, parents or guardians are required to complete the Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God online certification course and attend a Christian Parenting Session. Parents or guardians who have not previously received baptism preparation OR who have not received instruction within the past five (5) years are required to complete the Baptismal Preparation requirements. The Christian Parenting sessions are held every other month on the 2nd Saturday of the month. If you can’t leave your child(ren) at home, you are welcome to bring them with you!

Godparents
The infant/child being baptized is required to have at least one godparent. If two godparents are selected, they must be one male and one female (Canon 873). To be a godparent, they must be a practicing Catholic and in good standing with the Catholic Church, at least 16 years of age, and has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Godparents cannot be the candidate’s parent(s). If the godparent(s) were not baptized at either Most Sacred Heart of Jesus or St. Augustine, they will need to provide a copy of their baptismal certificate and complete the Godparent Eligibility Form by having it signed by the pastor of their parish attesting to their ability to serve as a godparent. A non-Catholic, baptized Christian may be chosen as a Christian Witness, as long as one godparent is a practicing Catholic.

Baptisms take place at Mass on the fourth weekend of every month. A blessing for you and your family will be given at Mass the weekend before baptism, with a quick rehearsal to follow after Mass. 

Baptismal Preparation

Contact: Kyle Naugle, Director of Youth & Sacramental Ministry
812-282-2677 or youthministry@jeffersonvillecatholic.org