Infant Baptism

"Holy 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 sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is a sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213) 

What is Infant Baptism?

Infant Baptism is intended for children from birth through the age of seven.


If your child is older than seven years of age, we invite them to participate in our Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC), a faith formation process designed to prepare children to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, including Baptism, at the Easter Vigil.


Baptism marks the beginning of a child's journey in the sacramental life of the Church. Through this sacrament, the child is welcomed into the Christian community and becomes a member of the Body of Christ.


It is also a sacred commitment for parents, who present their child for Baptism and promise to nurture and guide them in the Catholic faith. By their words and example, parents are called to foster their child's relationship with God and actively support their growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ within the life of the Church.

How do we celebrate baptisms in our parishes?

In our Parish Family, we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, the sacrament of initiation into both the universal Church and the local parish community, during Sunday Masses rather than as private ceremonies. As the Church gathers in worship, the entire community welcomes the newly baptized with joy and prayer, rejoicing in God's gift of new life.


We do not hold private baptisms except in exceptional circumstances. It is important that the parish community be present to welcome the newly baptized, support the family, and witness this sacred moment of faith.

What is our baptism schedule?

Infant Baptism is celebrated regularly within our Parish Family. Parishioners from any of of our three parish communities are welcome to choose whichever baptism date and location best fits their family's schedule.


Upcoming Infant Baptism Celebrations:

  • August 16 – St. Benedict, during the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass
  • September 26–27 – St. John, during both the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass and 10:30 AM Sunday Mass
  • November 14–15 – St. Alphonsus, during both the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass and 9:00 AM Sunday Mass


We look forward to celebrating this joyful sacrament with your family as your child begins their journey of faith within our Parish Family.


Note: If you have an urgent need for an emergency baptism due to a threat of imminent death, please contact the emergency pastoral care line at (206) 271-3543.

What are the requirements prior to baptism?

To prepare for your child's Baptism, families are asked to complete the following steps:

1. Attend a Baptism Preparation Class
Parents and godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class prior to the celebration of Baptism. The class is led by a couple from our Parish Family and is held online at 7:00 PM. Classes are typically scheduled approximately one month before each baptism weekend. Please use the Baptism Preparation Class Registration Form to register, whether you are attending as a parent or a godparent.


2. Complete the Baptism Information Form
Parents should complete and submit the Baptism Information Form to provide the necessary information for their child's Baptism.


3. Submit Godparent Documentation
Please review and submit the Godparent Letter and Form. These documents help ensure that godparents meet the requirements established by the Church and understand their important role in supporting the child's faith journey.


4. Contact the Director of Sacramental Preparation
Families wishing to have their child baptized should contact Julia Rudden, Director of Sacramental Preparation, at jrudden@parishfamily14.org to begin the process and receive guidance on the next steps.