Baptism
Baptism is the first step in the faith life of your child and we are excited to be a part of their journey. The community of St. Gabriel sees the contact we have with families as one of the most meaningful relationships in our parish. The fact that you are bringing your child to belong to the community of faith is a testament to your own trust and faith and your love for your child.
Here at St. Gabriel's, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at scheduled dates throughout the year by our pastor, or if he is not available, a deacon. There is a cap of 10 children for baptism on a Saturday date and two on a Sunday date. We cannot accommodate dates chosen by parents due to the number of baptisms we celebrate. We do not hold baptism during Advent or Lent. Only in the case of medical emergency of the child or an emergency of parents or child's siblings (i.e. deployment, serious illness) can we consider alternate dates and the date chosen is at the discretion of the pastor or deacon who will preside at the Rite.
To Receive the Sacrament of Baptism
- Child must be before they enter 2nd grade, roughly six-year-old or younger (if older – see OCIA program information CLICK HERE)
- Household need to attend mass regularly
- Parents need to be registered in the parish. Click here to register.
- Parents need to attend the baptism preparation session before child is baptized.
- For selection of godparents a godparent attestation form needs to be completed by each Catholic Godparent. The form will be emailed to you upon completion of form below, but you can also download the form: CLICK HERE.
- NEW All Catholic Godparents need to attend the baptism preparation session before their godchild is baptized. Have them complete the form below to register for their class.
Our baptism preparation program features the Video Series: "Belonging" by Ascension Press. These videos offer wonderful insight into raising your child in the faith and in growing in your relationship with the Lord and the Church. Classes are held in the parish nursery and children are welcome.
Baptism Classes are held on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon on July 11, Sept. 19, Nov. 7, Jan. 9, March 6 and May 15. The fee for the class is $60 per family (this fee also covers godparents in class attendance only) and is due on or before the class date.
Baptisms are scheduled for the following dates and times: Sun. Aug. 16, 9 am Mass (limited to two children); Sat. Oct. 10, 10 am; Sun. Dec. 27, 11 am (limited to two children); Sat. Jan. 30, 10 am; Sat. April 17, 10 am; Sat. June 12, 10 am
Baptism Preparation Sessions Form
Baptism for children occurs between infancy and 6 years of age. It is recommended that parents submit this form or contact the parish office six months in advance to prepare for the sacrament.
In anticipation of your child’s baptism, please register to attend the baptism preparation class. Class meets in the church meeting room.
This class will cover your role as primary teacher of faith to your child, godparents’ role, and information on the theology of the sacrament including symbolism. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR BAPTISM.
Baptism takes place during one of our Masses. There is a cap of 2 children per Mass.
PLEASE NOTE: we do not celebrate baptism during Advent or Lent.
