"Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism." - Catechism of the Catholic Church 1277
 
 To learn more about the Sacrament of Baptism at Holy Family Parish, contact our Baptism Ministry at 412-793-4511 x101, or [email protected].

Scheduling a Baptism

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Baptism Preparation Class

1. A baptism class* is mandatory for first time parents.  A second class is only needed upon your request if you feel you need a refresher.  Godparents do not need to attend.  
2. Classes are scheduled monthly within our grouping, and last about an hour in length.   
3. To register for a class, please contact our Baptism Ministry at 412-793-4511 x101 or [email protected].

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Information on Godparents (Sponsors)

1. According to the Code of Canon Law which, governs the Catholic Church, a godparent or sponsor must meet the following guidelines.
2. Be at least 16 years old.
3. Be a fully initiated in the Catholic faith.
   • A fully initiated Catholic has received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
4. If married, be in a valid sacramental marriage.
   • A valid sacramental marriage being married in the Church, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.
   • If you have not been married in the Catholic Church, and are Catholic, please contact the parish office for information on marriage validation.
5. Not be bound by canonical penalty
6. Not be the father or mother of one being baptized
   

1. The sponsor or godparent must be a practicing Catholic in good standing in the Church and able to obtain a Sponsor Letter from the parish in which they reside, not where they received their sacraments. 
2. How many godparents can we have?
   • Only one sponsor or godparent is necessary.  It is often common that two sponsors or godparents are sometimes chosen.  In that case, one must be male, and one must be female. 
3. Can we have a non-Catholic godparent (Christian Witness)?
   • Sometimes, a family may want to request a person of another Christian faith to serve as a godparent. Along with the Catholic godparent, this person may serve as a Christian Witness, however you cannot have two males or two females.
   • A Christian Witness can only be permitted if there is another valid Catholic godparent chosen.
   • A Christian Witness must be at least 16 years of age and be validly baptized in a Christian tradition.
   • A Christian Witness cannot be a baptized Catholic person who is no longer practicing, or is practicing faith in another non-Catholic, but other Christian church.
   • Beginning on July 1, 2023, we kindly request that all Christian Witnesses submit a Christian Witness Eligibility Form attesting to the requirements above.  (Baptized Catholics would not use this form but would be required to provide a Sponsor Letter from their current parish.)
   • Additional information on Christian Witness eligibility can be provided by the Holy Family Baptism Ministry Team.
     

1. My godparents belong to Holy Family Parish, do they need to do anything else?
   • If the sponsors or godparents are active members of Holy Family Parish, and meet the guidelines in the first points above, no additional steps are required other than indicating that they are registered and active members in the Parish.  Please see the next section on registered and active members.
   • If your sponsor or godparent does not meet the guidelines in the first points above, the issues would need to be resolved prior to being a sponsor.
2. What is a registered and active member of Holy Family Parish?
   • A registered and active member is a willing, present and supportive member of the parish through their Mass attendance, their example of faith, and their active participation in the community as they are able. 
   • If you are new to the parish or are returning to the parish after some time away to become a sponsor, we are excited to welcome you!  You are encouraged to seek out the Pastor after Mass, or another convenient time, to introduce yourself.  He will be pleased to meet you! Please review the next section about fully meeting Sponsor requirements.
3. How does my Godparent fully meet Sponsor requirements? 
   • A sponsor or godparent is required to have a Sponsor Letter from their home parish, or they must be a registered and active member of Holy Family Parish for at least 3 months prior to being a sponsor or receiving a Sponsor Letter from Holy Family Parish. 
   • Their home parish is the parish where they are currently registered and attend Mass, not necessarily where they received their sacraments.
   • This letter would be an indication that they attest that they are engaged in their faith and are willing and participate with the parents in the responsibility of raising their child in the faith. 

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