Baptism

If you want your child to be baptized, we want you to be prepared in every way.  To answer any questions you may have and to provide the best possible welcome into the church for your child, we offer a Baptism preparation meeting for all parents.  (This meeting is offered for parents of children baptized at either St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception and St. Mary Help of Christians Parishes.) This class is generally offered the third Tuesday of every month at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish office at 6:00PM.  You must register by calling the parish office in Portage 608-742-6998.

• Baptism of Infants: Infant Baptism is for children generally younger than one year old. Parents and Godparents commit to raise him/her in the faith. You will need to attend a meeting to prepare for this commitment. Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend as well, but not required.

 

• Baptism of Young Children: Ordinarily, for children older than one year of age, parents should attend a Baptism meeting and also meet with the Director of Religious Education to help prepare your child for the Sacrament of Baptism.

 

•  Baptism of Teens and Adults: Older teens and adults seeking Baptism are invited to the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). RCIA provides a format for discerning God’s call to Catholicism and responding to it with an open heart. To find out more about becoming Catholic through the RCIA program, visit our Becoming Catholic - RCIA page.

 

At St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Briggsville, Baptisms are generally celebrated at the 8:00 am Mass on most Sunday mornings. 

At St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Portage, infant Baptisms are generally celebrated at most weekend Masses or can be done following the last Sunday Mass at approximately 11:00 am.  

*Baptisms during Mass cannot be scheduled in the season of Lent
 

   Adult baptisms are celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass upon completion of the RCIA program. For further information on RCIA, visit the Becoming Catholic - RCIA or contact Fr. Randy Timmerman at 608-742-6998 ext. 214 or email frtimmerman@stmaryotic.org or Anita Johnson, Faith Formation Coordinator at 608-742-6998, ext. 223 or email [email protected]   

 

Godparents are an integral part of the Sacrament of Baptism.  The church places great value on their role; as such, please select people who will be good Catholic role models for your children, people who will pray for them and encourage them throughout their lives.  

• Each person must have one Catholic Godparent.

• The Catholic Godparent must have received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation, be at least 16-years old, and living their lives in communion with the teachings of the church.

• If a person is a Christian, but not Catholic, they must accept the full responsibilities of a Godparent. 

Godparents are welcome and encouraged to attend the Baptism Class, as well, to learn more about their role. Please review and complete the following forms prior to the Baptism.

-Choosing Godparents
-Godparent Covenant for the Sacrament of Baptism
 

Perhaps you grew up here and have since moved away, but your family is a member--we will gladly baptize your child here.  Please call the parish office at 608-742-6998 (Portage) or 608-981-2282 (Briggsville).  If you are a member here, but wish to have your child baptized at another parish, please contact the pastor for direction.

 

The church does not charge for Sacraments, so there is no “fee”.  Expenses for baptismal candles, garments, etc. are all covered through your regular contributions to the parish.   If you wish to offer a stipend to the priest or deacon, please know that it is received with gratitude.  

Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong faith journey for your child. At the Sacrament of Baptism your child is welcomed into the church family. Generally parents are registered members of the parish and practicing their faith.

If you wish to register as a member at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Briggsville, please call Sr. Anita Henning at 608-981-2282 or email [email protected].

If you wish to register as a member at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Portage, visit our Join the Parish page or contact the Chris Clark at the Parish Office at 608-742-6998 ext. 210 or email [email protected]