Baptism (Preparing to Receive the Sacrament of Baptism for Infants & Young Children) 

We welcome you during this important time as you prepare for your child’s Baptism. This sacrament is the gateway that opens us up to life in the Spirit, frees us from sin, and through “re-birth” enables us to become children of God, configured to Christ, and incorporated into the Church. As baptized sons and daughters, we are now God’s children and as such, the sacrament is a communal act. It is not the private possession of an individual person or family, but is the common treasure of the whole Church of Christ. Thus, there is no such thing as “private baptism.”

Before one can receive the Sacrament of Baptism, it is necessary to receive instruction concerning the faith. In the early Church, that could be a three-year process for an adult seeking baptism. In infant baptism, the process is somewhat reversed. The child receives the sacrament and the implications and meaning are un-packed as he or she grows and fulfills the true meaning of the sacrament. Thus, it is the Church’s desire to offer preparation and instruction for the parents. It is through the lived example of both parents and godparents that the grace of the sacrament will take hold and bear fruit in the life of the child.

For more info on Baptism of Infants/Young Children visit the links below: 
+ Scheduling & Preparing for Baptism 
+ Godparent Info 
+ Marital Status of Parents ​
​​All of the above information applies to baptism of an infant or young child only. If you have a child to be baptized who has reached catechetical age/the age of reason (Grade 2 or 7 years), you and they will receive different preparation. Having sufficient understanding, the preparation will now be for the full complement of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
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Those children already baptized in other Christian communities will be prepared to make a profession of faith into the Catholic Church and will receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation in the rite of Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church.
If you have any questions, please contact Deacon David Bartolowits at david.bartolowits@stjohnsindy.org or by phone at 317-635-2021.