No one has more influence on a child's growing sense of God and the Catholic faith community than the child's parents. At Baptism, the faith is proclaimed for infants by their parents and godparents who represent the Church.

Baptism unites us with Christ because it incorporates us into the Church. St. Paul describes it as being "clothed" with Christ. The Church mediates the presence of the risen Jesus to us. It is through the Church that we are introduced to Jesus and grow in our ability to recognize his presence among us in the Scripture, in the Breaking of Bread, and the Assembly.

Policies and Procedures:

Parents generally have their children baptized in the parish where they themselves are registered, participating members.

Baptisms, except in emergencies, are not celebrated during Lent.

Godparents must be Confirmed, practicing Catholics over the age of sixteen. Only one godparent is required but if two are chosen there should be one of each gender. Members of other Christian churches may serve as Christian witnesses as long as there is also one eligible godparent.

Godparents who are not members of Holy Name of Jesus parish are asked to present a Sponsor Certificate from their own parish at the time the Baptism is scheduled.

Parents attend a one session parent program before scheduling the baptism of their child.

Parent Meetings:

Meetings are offered on the first Sun. of Feb. April June August Oct. and Dec. at 10AM – 11:30AM.

Several months before the child is born, parents should call the Parish Office to sign up for these classes. A nursery is available during these meetings.

Infant Baptisms are celebrated after 12:15 Noon Mass on the second and last Sundays of each month. Baptisms can also be celebrated within the Mass. Please call the Parish Office to schedule a Baptism.

The Baptism of older children, teens, or adults follows the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

For more information please contact: Bgent@hnj.org