“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Mt 28:19-28

Baptism

“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 and made sharers in her mission.”  Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

For those inquiring about baptizing your child at St. Mary…Congratulations!

Parents who will soon be celebrating the sacrament of Baptism with their child at St. Mary should speak with the pastor after Mass about beginning preparation. During your required baptism preparation course, you will learn the meaning of the Sacrament and its significance; as well as prepare for participation in the celebration itself. This process is a wonderful opportunity for parents, godparents, and family to rejoice in the great grace of Baptism and prepare to renew their own baptismal vows.

Please review our Guidelines for Baptism within the Catholic Church for more details as well.

All the information contained here applies to Baptism of an infant or young child only. If you have a child to be baptized who has reached catechetical age/the age of reason (Grade 2 or 7 years), you and they will receive different preparation. The child will enroll in a parish religious education program that typically begins in the Fall and concludes in the Spring in preparation to receive all 3 sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion).  For adults seeking Baptism, they will participate in a preparation program called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), which is typically a Fall-Spring curriculum as well.

 

PREPARATION STEPS FOR BAPTISM


  1. Call or email the office.
    Contact our director of faith formation, Julia DeBacker, at 970-925-7339 ext. 3, or email her at FaithFormation@stmaryaspen.org with your initial inquiry and questions. If you are new to the parish and/or have not met our pastor yet, Fr. Joe Grady, please introduce yourself to him after Mass!
  2. Complete Baptism Info Form
    This information will be used to record the celebration of the sacrament in St. Mary’s official sacramental records. When your child is later confirmed and celebrates either holy matrimony or holy orders, anywhere in the world, the record of that celebration will be recorded at St. Mary’s! Download the Baptism Info Form here. 
  3. Complete Godparent Eligibility Form
    Godparents stand as representatives of the Catholic Church during the celebration of baptism but also provide the parents with support in raising their children in the Catholic faith. This form ensures that a godparent is eligible according to the Church’s law to assume this duty. Download the Godparent Eligibility Form here. Godparents must be:

    • Chosen by the parents and have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role.
    • Baptized and Confirmed in the Catholic Church and be over 16 years old.
    • Must either be living a chaste life as a single person or be married in a valid Catholic marriage.
    • Must be actively living their Catholic faith, attend Mass and Confession regularly.
    • Must attend a baptism preparation class and supply proof of attendance from their local parish.
    • Only one Catholic godparent is required.
  4. Baptism Preparation Program
    When a baby is baptized, he/she is baptized based on the desire and faith of the parent(s). Because of this, we offer the opportunity to learn why we baptize, what baptism is, and what the effects and obligations are that go along with it. Taking the time to attend a Baptism preparation class will inform the parents and godparents in those areas and empower them to make the promises that are proclaimed during a baptism celebration. To complete this process, you will meet with Father Joe.
  5. Schedule the Baptism with St. Mary’s
    While the main priority is getting the child baptized, you are encouraged to pay attention to special dates, feast days, and the patron saints of those days on the liturgical calendar. God does everything for a reason and the date that your child is baptized will likely have grace-filled implications for the rest of their life!
  6. Celebration of Baptism!
    Congratulations to you and your little one! Today begins the life-long journey of receiving and being transformed by the radical love of God through Jesus Christ. Welcome to the family!