Baptisms are celebrated at St. Thomas More six times a year during the Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses.  Parents are encouraged to be registered and active members of the parish.  They are expected to take two classes before the baptism, which will help them understand the rituals of the sacrament, and help them to plan how they will raise their precious child in the Catholic Faith. 

Godparents should be chosen for their ability to share their faith with their godchild and to be an example of Christian living to them.  At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic, be Confirmed and must also take the baptism preparation class, here or in his own parish. Some families also choose Non-Catholic Christians to be part of their child's life in this special way.  They are called sponsors. 

Baptisms are planned for the weekends of listed below.

• Sept. 4 & 5, 2010
• Oct 30 & 31, 2010
• Jan. 8 & 9, 2011
• Feb. 19 & 20, 2011
• May 21 & 22, 2011
• June 18 & 19, 2011 

For more information or to make an appointment to plan for your child's baptism please call Luciann at 743-2929 ext. 111, or email her at luciannm@stmp.org.

Before the 1960’s Catholic baptisms were quick, private, and some may say cold; the smallest amount of water and oil possible were used, and there was no baptismal candle. Today, Catholic baptisms are different.

Early Christians were baptized in a river, and later in baptismal pools that they would walk down steps so deep they would disappear from view, sink into water, and then walk up the other side, signifying dying and rising again in Christ.  Since the reforms of Vatican II we again use lots of water, dipping the infant or pouring water over those old enough to stand or kneel.  They are anointed with fragrant oil to strengthen them, and given a beautiful candle.  Then they are dressed in a white garment. This process utilizes four of the five symbols of baptism – water, oil, light and a white garment.  

However, there is another symbol of baptism, the community gathered.  We are there to witness to the baptism, to pray for the child being baptized and for the parents and godparents.  And we are to take seriously being the community responsible for raising this child in the Faith.  We must provide for the child’s upbringing in the church, offering to be a catechist, pledging money to purchase materials, being an example of Christian life.