Sacraments

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.

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"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.

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Adult Baptism (RCIA)

Unbaptized adults wishing to enter the Catholic Church are welcome through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This guided discernment process, which typically begins in the fall, culminates in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

FOR INFANT BAPTISM

Step-by-Step Process

Baptismal Preparation Class

Both parents and godparents must hold a valid certificate of completion from a baptismal preparation course. Certificates taken at St. Joseph or another parish/online are accepted. Certificates are valid for one year from the date of the class. If completed elsewhere, include the certificate with your package — or email it in advance to office@stjosephdoc.org.

Godparent Requirements (Forms A & B)

Godparents must meet the following canonical criteria: (1) At least 16 years of age. (2) A practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. (3) If married, the marriage must have taken place in a Catholic ceremony — those in civil-only marriages or cohabiting are not eligible. Required: 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 A for Godparents (one per godparent) · 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.

Questions?

For further questions, please contact the Parish Office.

office@stjosephdoc.org

PASTORAL TERRITORY

📍 Parish Boundaries

Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated in the parish where the family resides. Our parish serves the communities of Newton, Conover, and Maiden.

Newton

Conover

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.

Theology & Grace

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)

The Command of Christ

"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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.