Baptism

Baptism is the primary sign of initiation into the family of God and an exciting time for families. Your parish family at Gesu wants to join in that celebration. Parents should be registered and active members of Gesu Parish. We also want you to fully understand the commitment you are making when deciding to baptize your children as Catholics. Pope John Paul II once stated "in the case of Baptism of children, efforts to catechize the parents and godparents should not be spared" (Ecclesia in America, 34).

When having your child baptized at Gesu, parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class - godparents are also encouraged to attend. In the case of preceding children, once the class has been taken, parents need not take it again for two years. Although not necessary, we encourage parents to take the class prior to the birth of their baby or once adoption arrangements are certain. Baptism classes are usually held once a month.

At Gesu, we celebrate baptisms during Mass on the second Sunday of the month, either 8:00 or 10:30 am. Baptisms at Mass may have up to two families, thus there may be multiple children present. On other Sundays there may be a communal celebration after the 10:30 Mass at 11:45 am. Baptisms outside of Mass usually have many families and many children present.

Please be aware that because of the focus associated with the preparation for the Christmas and Easter seasons, baptisms are not celebrated during the Advent or Lenten Seasons. When selecting godparents for your child, at least one must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and the other must be Christian. To arrange for an infant Baptism, fill out the registration form.