Baptism

Godparents join the parents in presenting the child for baptism, and help the child to lead a Christian life in harmony with the sacraments. They "must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized child...on the road of Christian life." (CCC 1255) A child needs only one godparent, male or female, or one of each (Code of Canon Law 873). The second godparent may be non-Catholic Christian, but only acts as witness, and only if the primary godparent is Catholic (Code of Canon Law 873§2) meeting the requirements listed below (Code of Canon Law 873§1).

Canon Law 874 §1 requires that godparents be:

• Designated by the parents
• At least 16 years old
• Fully initiated Catholics (received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist)
• Not bound by any canonical penalty
• Leading lives of faith befitting the role
• Not parents of the child

Godparents must complete the Infant Baptism Attestation Form (link on this page.)

We welcome you and your child to this beautiful sacrament!  Baptism is a sign of the sacred, confers grace, is a celebration of Christ's life, and is the beginning of a deep relationship; a vital union with the risen Lord. 

St. Andrew´s Catholic Church requires that parents attend one Baptism preparation class prior to the baptism of their child. Baptisms are celebrated either within the weekend Liturgies, or on Sunday at 1PM. Weekend baptisms are done by Father Kevin Segerblom or Father John Christian, and the families choose which Mass they want. The baptisms at 1PM are done by Deacon Mark Allison or Father Kevin Segerblom, and are not within the context of a Mass. 

REQUIRED FORMS:

• Godparents are required to complete the ATTESTATION FORM. (Once at the Diocesan site, click on "Infant Baptism Godparent Attestation Form".)  It is the responsibility of the godparents to fill out the form, get it signed by their own parish priest, and return it to St. Andrew's.  The form is to be submitted to St. Andrew's Church before the Baptism takes place.
• Parents are required to fill out the BAPTISM INFORMATION FORM.  Return it to the parish office via mail or fax, or fill it out while at the preparation session.  

All forms and must be returned to the Parish Office at least one week prior to the Baptism.

Please return the forms to: 

St. Andrew's Church
631 N. Jefferson St.
Roanoke, VA  24016
Attn: Kathy Boyer

or fax to 540-344-7879 to the attention of Kathy Boyer.

 

Refer to these LAST MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS for information about your child's Baptism day. 
 

You are kindly asked to SIGN UP in advance for both the preparation session and the baptism weekend by emailing Kathy.  You can also contact us at the Parish Office at 344-9814.  Sometimes space is limited - your prompt attention to this will insure your family being scheduled at the Mass you desire.

BAPTISM WEEKENDS FOR 2020: 

• January 11/12 at all Masses
• February 23 at 1:00 pm
• April 26 at 1:00 pm
• May 16/17 at all Masses
• June 21 at 1:00 pm
• July 25/26 at all Masses
• September 6 at 1:00 pm
• October 10/11 at all Masses
• November 15 at 1:00 pm

BAPTISM PREPARATION SESSIONS FOR 2020:  
(All preparation sessions take place in the Youth Room, which is in the lower level of the Parish Center.  Baptism preparation classes last approximately 90 minutes. Please choose a session that fits your schedule.)

• Sunday, January 5 at 3:30 pm
• Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 am
• Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm
• Monday, July 20 at 7:00 pm
• Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 pm
• Sunday, November 8 at 4:00 pm