Baptism
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20).
At St. John’s
We welcome all who want to receive the gift of divine life in the Catholic Church. Adults seeking Baptism should contact a priest or deacon at the Parish Center. There is a period of prayer, ritual, learning and fellowship that precedes Baptism. It is called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Persons already baptized in another church can prepare to enter full communion in the Catholic Church and receive Eucharist and Confirmation. They will go through a similar program. One of our priests or deacons can assist them. Please give us a call at (978) 531-2000.
How do I arrange a baptism for my child?
If you would like to have your child baptized you can call the parish center on weekdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and the secretary will help to arrange a date for the sacrament. Only a parent or a legal guardian can request Baptism of their child. The priest or deacon who is scheduled for the monthly Baptism will follow up with a brief meeting to assist you. Baptism of children normally takes place on the second Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in the upper church. There is also a class each month for first time parents. We can also help parents who have school age children to prepare for their baptism at a special time since they are older and can participate in ways that an infant or small child cannot.
Can anyone be godparent for my child?
A godparent is a spiritual role model for a person being baptized. They must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic. They do not have to be present at the baptism but can have a proxy or “stand in” take their place at the ceremony. There can be one godfather or one godmother or one of each. In some cases a practicing Christian of another church can take the role of “Christian witness” along with at least one Catholic godparent.
