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Are there any requirements in order to have my child baptized at Our Lady of Guadalupe?
Do both parents/guardians have to be Catholic?
We are not married. Can our child be baptized?
Who can be a godparent?
Can a non-Catholic be a godparent?
What if the godparents can’t come to the actual celebration?
Can I schedule a private baptism?
Is there a fee for Baptism?
Baptism Requirements
Parents/Guardians are required to be a registered parishioner here or have a personal connection with a registered parishioner (i.e. grandparents are members of the parish). Parents or guardians must have completed a Baptism preparation program.
If a family is a member of another parish, a letter must be received from their home parish granting permission for the baptism, indicating that they are registered, and that they have participated in that parish’s Baptism preparation class within the last three clyears (date and place of the class).
Note: Please all ow four months to schedule a baptism.
Do You Have to be Catholic?
No, only one parent/guardian needs to be Catholic or be preparing to become Catholic. A child may be baptized so long as there is a well-founded hope they will brought up in the practice of the Catholic faith. This hope is present as long as one parent/guardian is willing to practice the Catholic Faith and share it with the child.
Not Married-Can our child be baptized?
Yes. If you have any questions about marriage in the Catholic Church, please contact the parish staff or go to our www.olgseattle.org/marriage.
Who can be a godparent?
Church law requires that there is at least one godparent for the child baptized. Godparents need to be active, practicing and confirmed Catholics at least 16 years in age. If living a married life, they must have received the sacrament of marriage. Godparents need to submit written proof of registration from their parish, and have completed a Baptism preparation program.
Non Catholic Godparent?
No, only a Catholic can be a godparent because they are asked to promise to help support raising the child in the Catholic faith. A non-Catholic Christian can be a "Witness" as long as there is one Catholic godparent. A non-baptized person cannot be a godparent or witness.
Proxy
You can have a proxy stand in for the godparent(s). Please let the staff know so they can record the name of the proxy on the certificate.
Private Baptism
No, unless there is an exceptional circumstance. Baptism celebrates the initiation of the child into the parish community and it is very important that the community is present at the time of the celebration.
Baptism Fee
We do not charge a fee for Baptism although we ask for $25 for class materials (pay as able). In addition, we acknowledge it is customary to make a donation when celebrating a special Sacrament. If you and/or your loved ones would like to make a donation in honor the Baptism of a child, please use a specially marked envelope so that your donation can be accounted toward the work of the Baptism team.