Congratulations on the Newest Member of Your Family!

The birth of a child is a precious gift from God, and our entire parish family rejoices with you! We are thrilled that you are choosing to bring your child into the family of God through the beautiful Sacrament of Baptism. This is the first step in a lifelong journey of faith, and we are honored to walk alongside you as you begin.

The Beautiful Gift of Baptism

Baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. In a small moment with a splash of holy water, your child is washed clean of original sin, welcomed into the Church, and becomes a beloved son or daughter of God. On this unforgettable day, they will be sealed and signed by Christ forever, wrapped in His unconditional love and set on a path of discipleship—a path of charity and service in the footsteps of our patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

Our Journey Together: The Process for Baptism

We want to make the process of preparing for this joyous occasion as simple and meaningful as possible. Here are the steps to celebrating Baptism at our parish:

Step 1: Contact the Parish Office

Your first step is a simple phone call or email to our parish office. We will answer your initial questions, gather your information, and guide you to the next step.

Step 2: Attend a Baptism Preparation Class

This welcoming and informative session is for parents to reflect on the beauty of this sacrament and their role as the first and best teachers of their child in the faith. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other young families and deepen your own understanding of the promises you will be making for your child.

Step 3: Choose Godparents & Complete the Form

Prayerfully choose Godparents who will be a source of spiritual support and a positive example of faith for your child. Once you have attended the class and selected Godparents, you can complete the Baptism Registration Form.

Step 4: Schedule the Baptism

After the class is complete and your form is submitted, we will work with you to schedule the date for this wonderful celebration.

The Sacred Roles of Parents & Godparents

Parents: In bringing your child for Baptism, you are publicly promising to raise them in the Catholic faith. You are the first heralds of the Gospel for your child, and the Church is here to support you in this beautiful and sacred duty.

Godparents: The role of a Godparent is a true spiritual calling. They stand with the parents during the Baptism and promise to help the child lead a Christian life. To ensure your child has the best possible spiritual support, the Church asks that:

• You have at least one active, confirmed Catholic in good standing to serve as a Godparent.
• A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a "Christian Witness" alongside a Catholic Godparent.
• Godparents should be at least 16 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old can my child be for infant Baptism?

This process is for children from birth up to 7 years of age. For children older than 7, we have a wonderful process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) adapted for their age. Please contact the office for more information.

Do we have to be registered members of the parish?

We warmly invite you to make St. Vincent de Paul your spiritual home! If you are not yet registered, we would be delighted to welcome you into our parish family.

Ready to Begin Your Child's Journey of Faith?

We are so excited to be a part of this blessed milestone for your family. To get started, please contact the parish office or use the forms below.

• Phone: (315) 479-6689
• Email: stvoffice@bscstvsyr.org

You can fill out the webform on this page or [CLICK HERE FOR THE DOWNLOADABLE BAPTISM FORM].