Baptism

 “Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”
- John 3-5

“Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte “a new creature,” and adopted son of God, who has become a “partaker of the divine nature,” member of Christ and co-heir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit."
- CCC, 1265

The baptism of a child is a tremendous gift and responsibility. Parents that wish to have their children baptized are asked to contact the Parish Office and fill out the appropriate form. A Baptismal Preparation class will be scheduled for the parents and godparents. You must be a registered parishioner for at least three months to have your child baptized unless an exception is granted by the Pastor. 

At this parish, baptisms are celebrated during the 10:30 AM Mass on the 4th Sunday of the month. Baptisms in Spanish take place on the second Sunday of the month during the 12:30 PM Spanish Mass.

If your child is 7 years old or older they will be asked to enroll in Parish Religious Education. They will receive the Sacrament of Baptism on a date agreed upon by the parents, the Director of Religious Education, and the Pastor.

If you are an adult and would like to receive the Sacrament of Baptism please contact our RCIA instructor Deacon Mike Blomè at 901-569-8183.

Here are the qualifications and role of a Catholic Godparent:

Step 1:
Only one godfather or one godmother or one of each. (Canon 873)

Step 2:
To help the baptized person to lead a Catholic Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. (Canon 872)

Step 3:
A Catholic who is at least 16 years old (Canon 874, §1, 2º) and has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads an active life of faith.

Step 4:
If the godparent is married, the marriage must be valid and recognized as a marriage in the Catholic Church. (Canon 874, §1, 3°)

Step 5:
The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. (Canon 874, §1, 5º).

Step 6:
Only with a Catholic godparent can a baptized, non-Catholic person serve as a Christian Witness of the Baptism. (Canon 874, §2).

Step 7:
A godparent who is not a parishioner at Saint Philip the Apostle Catholic Church must have their home parish provide a letter confirming active participation.

Step 8:
Schedule Baptism

Once you have read and agree to the above qualifications, you may select your baptismal preparation date and time.

A mature Catholic who will establish a lifelong faith relationship and be willing to walk with the child on their faith journey.

• A Catholic role model (coach) for the child.
• Be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass and receives the Sacraments regularly.
• Knows, understands and participates in the Catholic Church community.
• A Catholic who lacks the requirements to be a Godparent of a Catholic who is now practicing a non-Catholic faith cannot serve as a Christian witness.

To have your child baptized, to enroll your child in the PRE program, or to request further information, please contact the Parish office at (901) 465-8685.

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