Contact Deacon Mark at deaconmark@mtaonline.net  or call the church office.

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: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

Baptism of Children
Baptism removes the stain of Original Sin and welcomes the child into the Parish Family.  Since parents are the first teachers of their children in the faith, having your child baptized demands responsibility on your part as parents and godparents.  As Catholic parent(s), you should be faithful members of St. Andrew Parish, regularly practice your faith and receive the sacraments frequently.  In this way, your child can see and imitate your own love of the Lord.  Baptism of infants should normally occur  as soon as reasonably possible after birth..

Duties of the Parents
1. The parents or at least the Catholic parent of the infant must practice the faith, be registered in the parish and be in good standing with the church
2. The parents must select godparents who have a deep faith in the Lord Jesus.  At least one of the godparents must be a confirmed, active, practicing Catholic
3. Both parents should be present at the ceremony in which the child is baptized.  However godparents may be present by proxy
4. If your child is to be baptized in another Catholic parish, permission must be obtained from the pastor before the baptism can take place
Duties of Godparents
1. The godparents pledge to help support the parents in their responsibility of raising the child in the Catholic Faith by word and example
2. The Catholic godparent(s) must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation
Arranging for Your Child’s Baptism
Arrangement for a baptism should normally be made with the parish office at least 1 month in advance.
Infant baptisms are normally celebrated during or after one of the weekend liturgies.  A private ceremony may be arranged if there is sufficient reason. 

Preparation for Baptism
Preparation for Baptism consists of instruction with Deacon Mark, usually about one hour in duration. If you have had prior instruction let him know and  the class  might not be necessary . For further information, please call the office at 694-2170.