THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27
We welcome and congratulate families who wish to pass on their faith through the Sacrament of Baptism! Baptism is the basis of our entire Christian life. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God.
If you are an adult who wishes to receive baptism and become Catholic, please click here.
BAPTISM PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Congratulations! We are honored to be a part of your child's reception into the Church. Here are the steps required to prepare for baptism at St. Michael. Out of respect for parish boundaries, to baptize your child at St. Michael you must be a parishioner either by residence in our parish (Cary/Morrisville) or by prior registration (at least 6 months before the baptism).
(For information on baptism celebrated in Spanish please contact Maggie Fonseca at mfonseca@stmcary.org)
Complete the Baptism Register Data Form and return it with a copy of the child’s birth certificate. This form can be completed online in the fillable PDF and emailed to mbash@stmcary.org.
Parent / Godparent preparation is required for baptism as a means of understanding the promises you will make to raise the child in the Catholic faith. Preparation is currently taking place as a home study. We ask that parents and godparents watch The Reborn Series on a Catholic website called FORMED and complete the Study guide linked here. This is a six part video series; we ask that you watch sessions 1, 2 and 3. Each video is between 25 - 40 minutes in length.
To access FORMED, go to www.stmichaelcary.formed.org - Under "Find your parish or Organization" - Enter parish zip code: "27513" Click "St Michael the Archangel Church in Cary NC;" Click "Next" Enter your name and email and then click "sign up.” One logged in, click on the tab programs, then select sacraments to find “Reborn.”
The godparent is a spiritual role model, a living example of the Catholic Christian life, and the official representative of the Body of Christ, the Church, into which an infant/child/adult is being baptized.
IMPORTANT :
Please note that in order to be a baptismal godparent, the following sacraments are required: Catholic Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, if married, in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church, if not married, living a life of chastity, as well as being over the age of 16 by the baptism date.
Christians of other denominations whose baptism is recognized as valid in the Catholic Church may serve as a Christian Witness for the baptism of a Catholic. (This would not include an individual who was baptized Catholic but no longer practices the faith)
You can choose one female and one male godparent. Baptism can take place with just one godparent.
Choose your godparents (see below for how to choose godparents) and have them submit the Godparent Testimony/Sponsor letter from their home parish. Godparent forms must be submitted before scheduling a baptism.
Please contact Megan Bash at mbash@stmcary.org or 919-468-6198 with your intent to begin planning a baptism. We are unable to schedule a baptism before the above requirements are fulfilled; however, if you have a date in mind, you are free to inquire about the availability of the church.
SCHEDULING
SCHEDULING
We are currently scheduling monthly Saturday group baptisms on the following dates:
November 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
January 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
February 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
June 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Baptism during Sunday Liturgy
January 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Mass
March 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Mass
April 27, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Mass
May 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Mass
“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godparents, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized child or adult on the road of Christian life.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church #1255
If you recently glanced down at your child and felt overwhelmed by the prospect of raising him or her in the faith - you are not alone. At St. Michael, our role is to guide you as parents, to walk with you step by step as you navigate life as a family. And that starts with baptism.
Baptism is so much more than a rite of passage for your child - it signifies new life in Christ. That is why we strongly urge parents to have their children baptized soon after birth. Baptism isn't just pouring some water over your baby's head and saying random words; it is a transformational rebirth that abounds in grace and equips your child to be strong against the temptations of sin.
Baptism is just the beginning of your journey at St. Michael. We invite you to explore our Education section to learn more about how we can help you in raising your child in the faith, including our programs for young families, preschool, and religious education opportunities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN SHOULD I BAPTIZE MY CHILD?
As soon as possible after birth! The graces received at baptism are so important for a Christian life that we don't want to delay in offering those gifts to the child.
That being said, if you or your older child (older than 7) have not received baptism, it's never too late! Click here to learn more about our Christian Initiation process.
WHO SHOULD I SELECT AS GODPARENTS?
We love that you're thinking so seriously about who you wish to help you raise your child in the Catholic faith. While it's natural to want to choose people who are important in your life, the ultimate question to ask yourself is: "Who will be a good role model of faith to my child?"
The video below offers an excellent explanation of the role of godparents and how to choose them.
HOW MANY GODPARENTS DO I CHOOSE?
The Church recommends two godparents: one male and one female. However, you can choose to baptize your child with only one godparent.
IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT FOR GODPARENTS?
Godparents must be at least 16 years of age.
DO GODPARENTS HAVE TO BE CATHOLIC?
If you are selecting only one godparent for your child, then that person must be a practicing, fully-initiated Catholic. If you are choosing two godparents, it is highly recommended that both are Catholic, but one may be a Christian witness. A Christian witness is someone who is of another Christian denomination who you believe will be a good role model of faith for your child and will help you in raising him or her as a Catholic. A Christian witness cannot be someone who was baptized in the Catholic Church but now practices their faith in a non-Catholic church.
Godparents must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation and be practicing their faith (attend Mass weekly, frequents the Sacrament of Confession, etc.). If the godparent is married, he or she must be married in the Catholic Church.
WHY DO GODPARENTS HAVE TO BE CATHOLIC?
Why do godparents have to be Catholic? Godparents are often confused with guardians - people who will take care of your child in the event of your death. This is not the case! Godparents may also be your child's guardians if you choose, but more importantly, their role is to assist you in raising your child in the Catholic faith. So, you want to have people who are equipped to help you do so! We highly encourage you to support the faith journeys of those in your family who may not meet these qualifications in other ways, such as by inviting them to attend Mass or pray with you.
DO THE GODPARENTS NEED TO BE MARRIED?
Godparents do not need to be married (to one another or to someone else). However, if they are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church.
Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to assess your own faith and encourage family members to do the same. If you have family members who you would like to consider as godparents, but they do not meet the requirements of a practicing Catholic, please invite them to Mass with you and encourage them to become active in their faith lives.
Additionally, if you or someone you know may be interested in having their marriage blessed by the Church (called convalidation), please contact us to learn more.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO HAVE A BAPTISM AT ST. MICHAEL?
There are no fees associated with baptism in the church; however if you wish to make an offering to the church or the clergy officiating, you are free to do so.
Have more questions? Ready to get started?