Baptism

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism

We are happy to welcome families preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism at Notre Dame of Easton. To begin the process, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Parish Registration

Families who are not currently registered parishioners at Notre Dame of Easton are asked to complete a Parish Registration Form.


If your family is already registered, please update your parish registration to add your child as the newest member of your family.


Please Note: When completing the form on a mobile device, some information may be prefilled. Please review all information carefully and make any necessary corrections before submitting.

Step 2: Baptism Intake Form

Once your parish registration has been completed or updated, please submit a Baptism Intake Form.


This provides the parish with the information needed to begin preparing for your child’s Baptism.



Parish Registration Form Baptism Intake Form

Baptism Schedule & Preparation

Baptisms are typically celebrated on Sundays at 10:00 AM.


If this is your first child being baptized, parents are required to attend a pre-baptismal class before the Baptism can be scheduled.

Godparent Requirements

Godparents play an important role in supporting a child in the Catholic faith. Each godparent is asked to provide:



The Sponsor Affirmation Form may be obtained through the Parish Office or clicking the link below.

Sponsor Affirmation Form

Questions?

If you have questions about Baptism, the required forms, godparent documentation, or the preparation process, please contact the Parish Office. We are happy to assist you as you prepare for this special sacrament.

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.


At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

Baptismal Symbols

 

  • Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
  • Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
  • Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
  • White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

 

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).