INFANT BAPTISM POLICY
Statistics reveal that in our present age, so-called "Millenials" and succeeding generations (those born in 1980 and after) maintain little affiliation with the Church. Since a Catholic lifestyle is important for the parents involved, for their child, and for the Church as a whole, it is necessary to try to address this situation in a more systematic manner. Therefore, we are changing the procedure by which parents schedule the baptism of an infant.
All parents seeking the baptism of an infant are required to:
**Registration forms for the pre-baptism class are available under the “Forms” link on the parish web page, allsaintslemars.org, or contact the parish office.
Statistics reveal that in our present age, so-called "Millenials" and succeeding generations (those born in 1980 and after) maintain little affiliation with the Church. Since a Catholic lifestyle is important for the parents involved, for their child, and for the Church as a whole, it is necessary to try to address this situation in a more systematic manner. Therefore, we are changing the procedure by which parents schedule the baptism of an infant.
All parents seeking the baptism of an infant are required to:
- Attend Mass weekly. Record of attendance is determined by use of a church support envelope* placed in the weekly collection.
- If the family is unable to help in the support of the church, the envelope should be placed in the collection empty.
- If you do not have envelopes, contact the parish office at 712 546-5223 or via email at allsaints@premieronline.net.
- Attend the baptismal preparation class held on the 5th Sunday of the month (regardless if they have attended a class in this or another parish previously).
- Following attendance at the baptismal preparation class,** parents should schedule an appointment with the pastor to discuss Faith, Faith practice and Church involvement.
- Following the meeting with the pastor, you will receive a request form for a baptismal date.
**Registration forms for the pre-baptism class are available under the “Forms” link on the parish web page, allsaintslemars.org, or contact the parish office.
Information Regarding the Selection of Sponsors
A Catholic godparent (sponsor) must be 16 years old, baptized, confirmed and practicing their Catholic Faith, including weekly attendance at Mass.
In place of a second godparent, a Christian Witness (a practicing Christian of another denomination) is acceptable. He / she may be the same gender as the Catholic godparent.
Because the role of godparent is important, a godparent who is a member of All Saints Parish must attend a pre-baptism class prior to the baptism. This does not need to be the same class that the parents attend.
A godparent who is not a member of All Saints Parish or who will be a Christian witness must present a letter from his / her pastor (Catholic or Protestant) attesting that they are registered and active in the practice of their Faith.
A Catholic godparent (sponsor) must be 16 years old, baptized, confirmed and practicing their Catholic Faith, including weekly attendance at Mass.
- Only one godparent is required, irrespective of the gender of the child (i.e., a male child may have a female godparent, and vice versa).
- If two godparents are chosen, one must be male, one must be female.
In place of a second godparent, a Christian Witness (a practicing Christian of another denomination) is acceptable. He / she may be the same gender as the Catholic godparent.
Because the role of godparent is important, a godparent who is a member of All Saints Parish must attend a pre-baptism class prior to the baptism. This does not need to be the same class that the parents attend.
A godparent who is not a member of All Saints Parish or who will be a Christian witness must present a letter from his / her pastor (Catholic or Protestant) attesting that they are registered and active in the practice of their Faith.