The Sacrament of Baptism
The gateway to Christian life — the sacrament that incorporates us into the Body of Christ, frees us from original sin, and makes us sons and daughters of God.
"Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." — John 3:5
Baptism Preparation & Scheduling
Baptism dates will only be scheduled upon delivery of a complete documentation package to the Parish Office. The parish cannot reserve dates or process incomplete submissions. Please note that the Sacrament of Baptism is ordinarily celebrated on the first and third Saturdays of the month, subject to the Pastor's schedule.
Adult Baptism (OCIA)
Unbaptized adults wishing to enter the Catholic Church are welcome through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This guided discernment process, which typically begins in the fall, culminates in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
Step-by-Step Process
Baptismal Preparation Class
Both parents and godparents must hold a valid certificate of completion from a baptismal preparation course.
Class Schedule
- Spanish Classes Held every two months on the last Tuesday of the month from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the Holy Family Hall. Check our calendar
- English Classes Please contact Deacon Scott directly at deaconscott@fontofmercy.org.
Certificate Guidelines
- Certificates taken at St. Joseph or another parish are accepted.
- Online certificates are not accepted unless prior approval is granted by the Pastor.
- Certificates are valid for one year from the date of the class.
Godparent Requirements (Form B)
Godparents must meet the following canonical criteria:
- At least 16 years of age.
- A practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation.
- If married, the marriage must have taken place in a Catholic ceremony (civil-only marriages or cohabiting are not eligible).
Required Documents
- A copy of the godparent's Confirmation Certificate (if single) or Catholic Marriage Certificate (if married).
- Form B must be taken to the godparent's own pastor for signature and seal (including Father Julio if they attend St. Joseph).
Note: A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a "Christian Witness" only if there is also a fully qualified Catholic godparent.
Submit the Complete Package
Once all documents are gathered, deliver the full package to the Parish Office. The package must include:
-
✓
Baptism Registration Form
Fully completed -
✓
Form B for Godparents
One per godparent, signed & sealed by their pastor -
✓
Godparent Sacramental Certificates
Confirmation or Catholic Marriage copies
Date Confirmation
After verifying a 100% complete package and approving the godparents, the Parish Office will contact you to finalize the date on the parish calendar.
📍 Parish Boundaries
Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated in the parish where the family resides. Our parish serves the communities of Newton, Conover, and Maiden.
Outside Our Boundaries
If your family resides outside of Newton, Conover, or Maiden, please contact your local territorial parish. In special cases, contact the office to speak with Father.
The Meaning of Baptism
Born of Water and the Spirit
Baptism is the first and most fundamental of the sacraments. Through water and the Holy Spirit, we are freed from original sin, reborn as children of God, and grafted into the Body of Christ, the Church. The Council of Nicaea proclaimed it as "one baptism for the forgiveness of sins."
"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 sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church." (CCC 1213)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 28:19
This command of the Risen Christ is the foundation of the Church's baptismal ministry. Every baptism celebrated in this parish is a faithful obedience to these words.
The Effects of Baptism
Forgiveness of Original Sin
Baptism cleanses the soul of original sin — the inherited wound of human nature — and any personal sins for those baptized as adults.
Gift of the Holy Spirit
The newly baptized receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the soul as a temple, empowering the Christian life of virtue and grace.
Incorporation into the Church
Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ — uniting us to the universal Church and our local parish family at St. Joseph.
An Indelible Spiritual Mark
Like Confirmation and Holy Orders, Baptism imprints an indelible spiritual character on the soul — a seal that can never be removed or repeated.