Baptism

Baptismal Guidelines

At St. Hyacinth Parish we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism in English after the 10:45 am Sunday Mass.  Typically that means a 11:45 start time. Families should plan to attend the 10:45 Mass.  Baptisms in English are celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.  Baptisms in Polish are celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month after the12:30 Mass.  In this case families should plan to attend the 12:30 Mass and be ready after mass for the baptism.  Arrangements are to be made in the parish office at least one month before the date of the baptism.

The guidelines are as follows:

  • The family should be registered members of the parish. Non parishioners must present  the proper documentation from their home parish.
  • At least one parent must be Catholic, but both must agree to the baptism.
  • Child’s birth certificate is needed when registering for the baptism.
  • Parents must attend a preparation class prior to the baptism.  It is preferred that godparents also attend.  Baptismal classes are held on the Thursday evening before the baptism in the rectory.  English class for the 1st and 3rd Sundays, is held at 7:00 pm.  Polish class for the 2nd and 4th Sunday is held at 7:30 pm.  On those Thursdays which are holidays, other arrangements must be made.

Godparent :

  • Must have received the Sacrament of Baptism and Eucharist.
  • Must be a mature, practicing member of the Catholic Church who is atleast 16 years old.This means regularly participating in the sacramental life of the church.
  • Should have received the Sacrament of Confirmation
  • Must be married in the Catholic Church, or living singly if not married.
  • Must provide proof from their parish that they are practicing and are baptized.  These documents must be presented to the church prior to the baptismal class.
  • Should be someone who shares with the parents the task of handing on the faith to the child.

Usually there are two godparents, one male and one female. If you chose to have more than two, the others will be called witnesses to the ceremony.  If one of the persons chosen to be a godparent is not Catholic, they too are called a witness.  If for some reason a godparent cannot be present, a proxy must be present.