For a child to receive the Sacrament of
Baptism at St. Walter's Church, there are two prerequisites.
A. You are to be registered members of St. Walter Parish.
(See our weekly bulletin for registration times)
B. You (the parents) must attend the pre-Baptismal class.
The class is generally held on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Narthex of the Church.
Baptisms are celebrated at 1:30 PM on all Sundays of the month. (Please no later than 1:15 PM). Baptisms are also celebrated at the 5 PM, 9 AM, or 12 NN Masses on the 1st Saturday/Sunday of the
month. We do not celebrate Baptisms during the Lenten season except for emergencies which can be arranged with the Parish House offices.
Parents have the option of baptizing their child by having water poured over their head or by having
their child immersed in the Baptismal water. The water in the baptismal font is heated to provide for the comfort of those who are being baptized. When you register for the Baptism, the office as for the Baptismal option you have chosen for your child.
Parents schedule their choice of Baptism day by calling the Parish Office (894-2461) between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through
Friday. Please do so after the birth of the baby and approximately four weeks in advance of the baptism date. If you are not registered in the parish, please do so in person during office hours.
Church law stipulates that one godparent, male or female, is sufficient, but there may be two. Godparents should be 16 years of age and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and
Confirmation, and should be good role models in living the Christian life. A baptized person who belongs to a non-catholic community may act as a Christian Witness along with a Catholic Godparent.
People living in another parish and wishing to have their child baptized at St. Walter's are:
A. To have a letter of permission from their respective Pastor giving permission
to have their child baptized at St. Walter's.
B. To attend a pre-Baptismal class.
Before the Baptismal Rite begins, you will find at the end of the pews the name of the child to be baptized. The entire pew will be reserved for your family.
Each child being presented for Baptism should be in the first
seat off the aisle, parents and godparents with them. Parents normally present the child for baptism. Parents and godparents are to hold or place a hand on the child while they are being baptized.
Please remove hats, bonnets from the babies before the rite begins. The Baptismal garment should also be unfastened so the chest of the baby can be anointed with oil. Please consider providing for the
comfort of your child by making sure the child has eaten lunch.
As the Baptism rite begins, parents will be asked to respond together by stating the NAME of the child and what they are asking of the Church for their child - namely BAPTISM.
- The godparents will also be asked if they are willing
to assist the parents with the spiritual upbringing of the child. Both parents and Godparents should be good role models and actively practicing their faith.
Parents may make the baptismal robe and provide a candle if they so desire. If you do bring a robe/candle with you, please present it to the priest or deacon before the ceremony begins. A
symbolic robe and candle will be presented to each of the newly baptized. The father or godfather may receive the candle on behalf of the baptized.
During the Baptism, someone other than parents or godparents may take pictures. However, rules of common courtesy and presence of mind are to be observed in the Church reflecting the solemnity of the service.
Following the Baptism, certificates will be given to each family. It is customary for a donation to be given to the Church of St. Walter. Additional pictures may be taken at this time, for one- half hour only.
We ask that you and your family be in church no later than 15 minutes before Baptism.
