BAPTISM

Required of Parents:

• You must be registered members of St. Peter before your child can be baptized at the Church of St. Peter. Join here.

• The Church of St. Peter needs to have some indication or assurance that you practice your faith. This is discussed in the Baptism Preparation Class. You will also learn about your role as the primary catechist of your child. 

• You are required to attend the Baptism Preparation Class offered at the Church of St. Peter if this is your first child or if you have not attended a class within the past five years.

Required of Godparents:
There are five qualifications a godparent must meet, according to the Code of Canon Law (874).

• They must be appointed and have suitability for the role - be people of faith.

• They must be at least 16 years of age.

• One must be a Confirmed Catholic.

• They must not be hindered by a Canonical penalty.

• They may not be the candidate's mother or father.

One of the godparents MUST fit all these requirements. The other person may be of another Christian faith but must still meet the other requirements. A person can have either one male or one female godparent, or one of each, according to Canon 873. Canon Law prohibits two godparents of the same sex or more than two godparents. A non-Catholic cannot serve as a godparent, according to Canon 874, but he or she can participate in the baptism as a witness. However, it remains the responsibility of the Catholic godparent to ensure a Christian upbringing for the child, according to the New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. Similarly, Catholics are permitted to serve as baptismal witnesses in other Christian communities.

Baptism Liturgy

• We have future Baptism Liturgies scheduled (see dates below). Baptisms happen on Sundays at 12:30 pm following Mass. (Note - because of unusual circumstances, dates and times may be subject to change.)

• We restrict the number of Baptisms to two families at each liturgy, so it is important that you call the parish office to make the necessary arrangements a few weeks ahead of time.

Miscellaneous

• Newly registered members of the parish are expected to attend the New Member Orientation session. For more information, please contact St. Peter's Stewardship Coordinator, Bob Burns, at (651) 982-2227 or bburns@stpeterfl.org. 

• Please call Ginny L'Allier at (651) 982-2201 , to make arrangements for your child's baptism. 

• It is preferable that you dress your child in white; however, this is not a requirement. As part of the Baptismal Rite, we will provide a small white garment and candle.

• A donation of any amount would be accepted to cover some of the costs of the baptism, but it is not required.