Baptism
Congratulations on the gift of your child! The staff at Holy Family Parish is here to serve you!
We are so happy that you wish to baptize and raise your child in the Catholic faith. God's gift of new life in baptism is so important to your child and your family's Christian life. Baptisms normally take place after Sunday Mass, to reflect this communal aspect of the sacrament, however we are open to work with you to find a time that fits your family best.
First Step for Baptism Preparation: Parish Membership
Are the parents registered members of a Catholic parish?
The parish church is the focus of our common prayer and sacramental life. Belonging to and engaging in the life of a worshiping community of believers is essential for the faith formation of your child. To start the process of Baptism Preparation we would love for you to join our Parish!
The parish church is the focus of our common prayer and sacramental life. Belonging to and engaging in the life of a worshiping community of believers is essential for the faith formation of your child. To start the process of Baptism Preparation we would love for you to join our Parish!
- Become a member of Holy Family? If you do not have a home parish you attend regularly, please join us! Click here to submit your registration form.
- Registered in another church? Parents registered in another church parish who wish to have their child baptized at Holy Family Catholic Church must first obtain a letter of permission from the pastor of the church parish in which they are registered.
Steps for Infant Baptism
Baptism is the first and fundamental sacrament and the gateway to the other sacraments. If you are seeking baptism for your child (or children), please continue with the following steps:
Questions: If you have any questions, please, contact Cyndi Zajic at 410-269-0586 or email [email protected].
- Baptismal Registration Form: Download and complete a Baptismal Registration Form (PDF). Email the completed form to Cyndi Zajic at [email protected] or bring the form to the office: 826 W Central Ave
Davidsonville, MD 21035. - Baptismal Preparatory Class: If this is your first child being baptized, you must register for a Baptismal Preparatory Class. Classes are held the second Monday of the month at 7 pm. Once we receive your registration form we will contact you to set up a class date and a Baptism date.
- Godparents: One Godparent MUST be a practicing Catholic who is at least 16 years of age and MUST have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Godparents are not required to attend a Baptism Preparatory Class, but are encouraged to do so.
For Catholic Godparents, please, download, print and complete the Godparent Eligibility Form and have your home parish sign and place their seal on it.
Questions: If you have any questions, please, contact Cyndi Zajic at 410-269-0586 or email [email protected].
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- How many godparents should there be? Church law only requires you to have one godparent; however, it has been tradition to have two.
- What sex should the godparent be? If you choose only one Godparent, you are free to choose a male or a female. However, if you wish to have two godparents, there must be one male and one female.
- Can a non-Catholic serve as a godparent? A baptized, non-Catholic may serve as an Official witness to the baptism. Canon Law describes a witness as a baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community.
- Can someone serve as a godparent by proxy (stand-in). Yes. The name of that person will be entered as a proxy in the Sacramental Record Book, along with the name of the missing godparent.
- Selecting a Date: Baptisms can be held on Saturdays and Sundays (& incorporated into the Mass on Sunday). Unless there is a genuine pastoral need, baptisms are typically not scheduled during Lent.
- Location: Baptisms in private homes, school or hospital chapels, are not permitted, except in cases of emergency.
- Infant age: A minor younger than 7 years old is regarded an "infant" with respect to Baptism.
Sponsor Couples
Baptism Sponsor Couples Needed
Being a sponsor couple for Baptism Preparatory Classes is a beautiful way to share in the joy of welcoming new families into our faith community. It's a fulfilling experience to guide parents as they prepare for their child’s baptism, offering support, wisdom, and faith-filled friendship. If you and your spouse are looking for a meaningful way to serve together, we invite you to join this special ministry. Your witness can make a lasting impact on the lives of these families. Contact Cyndi at [email protected] for more information.
Being a sponsor couple for Baptism Preparatory Classes is a beautiful way to share in the joy of welcoming new families into our faith community. It's a fulfilling experience to guide parents as they prepare for their child’s baptism, offering support, wisdom, and faith-filled friendship. If you and your spouse are looking for a meaningful way to serve together, we invite you to join this special ministry. Your witness can make a lasting impact on the lives of these families. Contact Cyndi at [email protected] for more information.
Baptism for Adults
If you have not been baptized, and are interested in inquiring about the Catholic faith, please contact the parish office. Also take a look at our Becoming Catholic page for more information.
