Baptisms

We are excited to be able to be a part of your child’s baptism. Because this is a very special day in your child’s life and yours, we have some guidelines that are required by the Catholic church. These requirements are necessary to ensure your child has a wonderful baptism and a lifelong journey as a new member of the Catholic faith. Start your child's relationship with God.

We ask that families presenting their children for baptism must be registered members of our parish or live within the parish boundaries.

Baptisms are held the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month after the 11:30 am Mass (with the exception of Holy Days). Please view our parish calendar for specific dates. 

 Important things to note about the date:

• No Private Baptisms.

• The Baptism date is not secured until all necessary documents are turned in

All Paperwork must be submitted no later than 10 days before the chosen baptism date. 

                                

Baptisms prep class are held the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month after the 11:30 am Mass (with the exception of Holy Days). Please view or parish calendar for specific dates.  

 Baptismal preparation classes must be completed no later than 10 days prior to the scheduled baptismal date. Our baptism prep classes are currently being offered in person. Is a requirement that both parents attend the baptism prep class and register individually. 
                  

                                           Proceed to Baptism Prep Class Page

Parents should understand that presenting their child for Baptism is a promise to faithfully raise their child in the Catholic faith and to be an example of Christian living for their child. In order to celebrate your child’s baptism at St. Mark, the following requirements must be met:

• Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation class within 2 years prior to this baptism.

• Parents must be registered at St. Mark or reside within the parish boundaries.

• Must provide a copy of your child's birth certificate

• No cost for baptism, a free-will donation may be accepted.

In the baptism of infants and young children, parents take responsibility for choosing a godparent(s) who will serve as a good example of living the Catholic way of life.  Listed below are the criteria for the selection of godparents required by Canon Law:

• It is customary to have two godparents, however, only one is required for baptism.

• A godparent may be either male or female. If two godparents are chosen, one must be male and one female.

• A godparent must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic, this means having received the sacrament of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist. If the godparent is married, is a requirment he or she need to be married in the catholic church. 

• Must be at least 16 years of age.

• A baptized non-Catholic may be chosen as a Christian Witness provided there is at least one Catholic godparent who meets the above criteria.

• A letter of good standing is required from each of the godparents from the parish they are registered active members.

• Attend a baptism prep class and submit proof of attendance to the parish office (if you will attend at St. Mark you must register).

In the event that you are baptizing at another parish. Most parishes will require a  Letter of Good Standing from the parish you are a registered member of. If you need such letter email Clarissa Garcia at [email protected]  to request this letter or contact the parish office directly.

Letters cannot be emailed as there is a parish seal on the letter that will not show otherwise. You must pick up your letter at the Parish Office during office hours or let us know if you would like it to be mailed.