Baptism
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For questions about:
- baptism of Older Children (ages 7+) and Adults contact Joan Sheppard, Director of Faith Formation 703-780-4055 |
PREPARING FOR YOUR BABY'S BAPTISM
Baptism Preparation Class
Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation class prior to having their child baptized at Good Shepherd. (Minimum one parent must attend. Both parents and godparents are welcome and encouraged to attend.)
This one-time, 90-minute class covers topics such as: the importance of parents as the first formers of their child's faith, and the Rite of Baptism, in addition to answering any questions you may have.
*Please note baptisms are offered in both English and Spanish. For information about scheduling a baptism in Spanish, please click here or contact the parish office.)
You must register for the class, so please contact the Office for upcoming class dates and times (baptisms@gs-cc.org).
Baptism Information Form
Please complete the baptism baptism form and return to the Parish Office ("Attention: Baptisms") or email a copy of the completed form to baptisms@gs-cc.org
Godparents
Scheduling your Baptism
Baptisms take place on Saturdays and at specific Sunday Masses. Our Baptism coordinators in the Parish Office can help you learn about available dates and times.
Baptism Preparation Class
Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation class prior to having their child baptized at Good Shepherd. (Minimum one parent must attend. Both parents and godparents are welcome and encouraged to attend.)
This one-time, 90-minute class covers topics such as: the importance of parents as the first formers of their child's faith, and the Rite of Baptism, in addition to answering any questions you may have.
*Please note baptisms are offered in both English and Spanish. For information about scheduling a baptism in Spanish, please click here or contact the parish office.)
You must register for the class, so please contact the Office for upcoming class dates and times (baptisms@gs-cc.org).
Baptism Information Form
Please complete the baptism baptism form and return to the Parish Office ("Attention: Baptisms") or email a copy of the completed form to baptisms@gs-cc.org
Godparents
- Both godparents must be at least 16 years of age.
- At least one must be a practicing Catholic. (Must have received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. Must be officially enrolled as a parishioner in a Catholic parish and provide a Letter of Eligibility from that parish. If married, must be married in the Catholic Church.)
- If using a proxy (in the event one or both godparents cannot be present at the Baptism), at least one proxy must be Catholic.
- You can also have a non-Catholic (officially called a Christian Witness) who must also be at least 16 years of age.
Scheduling your Baptism
Baptisms take place on Saturdays and at specific Sunday Masses. Our Baptism coordinators in the Parish Office can help you learn about available dates and times.
Baptism marks the entry of the believer into the Christian community. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and joined with Christ, sharing in His divinity and destined for eternal life. In the words of St. Paul, "We were buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so too may we live a new life." (Romans 6:4)