Baptism
We are excited to help you with the baptism of your child! Baptism brings new life into the Church and the parish. Our Office of Lifelong Faith Formation and team are here to support you!
Begin the Baptism Process
To begin the process of having a child baptized, please complete our baptism inquiry form. When completing the inquiry form, you will have the opportunity to choose your preferred baptism date – please make sure this is no less than 1 month away to allow time for all requirements to be completed. Our baptism coordinator, Lauren Huelster, will be in touch after completing the form.
Helpful Requests
REQUEST A COPY OF YOUR OSM BAPTISM CERTIFICATE
I NEED A LETTER TO SERVE AS A GODPARENT
SOME Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started • Godparents • Special Circumstances • Older Children & Adults
Getting Started
Who can have their child baptized at Old St. Mary’s?
We welcome anyone to have their child baptized at Old St. Mary’s, as long as the family can honestly attest in the rite that they “are accepting the responsibility of training their child in the practice of the faith” and will “bring the child up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor.”
MY CHILD IS OLDER THAN 7 YEARS OLD. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your child is over the age of 7, this process is a little different. Reach out to our Director of Lifelong Faith Formation, Elise Flick, for more information.
When do Baptisms take place?
Baptisms take place at one of our regularly scheduled weekend Masses so that our community can greet you and join you in prayer for your child. We carefully choose the weekends to offer as baptism dates to make sure that everyone has the best experience possible – when you fill out the Baptism Inquiry Form above, you will be able to see our upcoming baptism dates and indicate which one(s) work best for you. Please keep in mind that you must complete all requirements before your chosen date, or we will not be able to honor it – we recommend choosing a date at least 1 month out.
Do you schedule private Baptisms / outside of the regular schedule?
Baptisms are usually celebrated during Mass, allowing the whole community to share in the joy. If this isn’t possible for your family, please email [email protected] — we’d be happy to discuss your situation!
Is there a cost to having your child baptized?
A customary offering of $100 is appreciated for baptisms at Old St. Mary’s. Your generosity helps support our parish community, but please give as you are able and according to your means.
Godparents
Who can be a Godparent?
According to Canon Law, a person who meets the following criteria can be a baptismal godparent:
* Fully initiated Catholic (has received Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation).
* At least 16 years of age.
* A Practicing Catholic who leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
* If married, should have been married in a Catholic ceremony.
A baptized non-Catholic is ineligible to serve as a baptismal Godparent. They may however serve as a Christian witness. Please note that all Godparents must provide a letter of good standing from their home parish, confirming their eligibility to serve as Godparents.
What if a Godparent cannot come to the actual celebration?
If a Godparent is not able to be present, that Godparent may request a proxy to stand in their place.
How many people can I name as Godparents for my child?
Only one Godparent is required, but if you choose to have two, one must be male and the other female. We understand that many parents wish to include multiple loved ones as Godparents. While you are welcome to have others play a special role in your child’s faith journey, please note that only two names – one male and one female – can be listed on the baptism certificate. If you have multiple Godparents of the same sex, only one name will be recorded on the certificate.
I’m a parishioner and have been asked to be a godparent elsewhere. Can the parish provide a letter confirming I’m a Catholic in good standing?
Yes! We’re happy to provide a letter of good standing or complete a parish form if one has already been given to you. Please email our baptism coordinator, Lauren Huelster with your request, and include any forms that need to be signed.
Do Godparents need to take the Baptism class?
Yes! We want to help godparents prepare for this important role. If the godparents aren’t local, they can join one of our virtual baptism classes or find an in-person class at a parish near them.
If someone has served as a godparent within the last 5 years, this requirement is usually waived, but they’re always welcome to attend a class if they would like a refresher!
Special Circumstances
I am a parishioner but looking to have my child baptized in another parish. How do I request permission?
We’re happy to issue a letter of permission for you. We’ll need the name and location of the parish where the baptism will take place, as well as the scheduled date if known. You’re still very welcome to attend our baptismal preparation class here at Old St. Mary’s. Please email us at [email protected].
Can my child be baptized if my spouse and I were not married in the Church?
Parents bringing their child for baptism are encouraged to actively practice their faith. That said, we understand that every family’s faith journey is different. If you’d like to talk more about baptism and what it means for your family, please reach out to [email protected] – we’re happy to walk with you!
Whom should I contact for permission for a visiting priest to celebrate baptism at OSM?
If a priest from outside the Archdiocese of Chicago will be presiding, a letter of good standing from their home diocese is required. We’re happy to help with this: please contact [email protected] for guidance on next steps.
ADULT BAPTISMS
I am an adult. What do I need to do if I want to be baptized?
The process for baptism for adults is through the Order of Initiation for Adults (OCIA). You can find out more by visiting our OCIA page.