Baptism

Welcome!

Welcome to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish family. A child is a great blessing and we thank you for wanting to have your child baptized here. We are excited for your entire family to be part of our family of faith! As you may know, baptism is the first of three sacraments of Initiation (along with Holy Eucharist and Confirmation). A sacrament is “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace,” and the graces and spiritual gifts a child receives at baptism will remain present throughout his/her entire life. We are committed to walking with and supporting families in their faith journey!

Baptism Preparation

First, we require a copy of your child's birth certificate. If you don't have a copy, bring in the original and we will make one.

If you’ve already attended a Baptism session with Deacon Rod Walker and Laura Stierman, please call Laura at 651-437-4254 and she’ll help you get started.

All other parents are required to attend a baptism session with Deacon Rod and Laura. Sessions are offered four times annually on Sundays following the 10 a.m. Mass. 

We use online videos for our preparation, which you will watch at your convenience beforehand. During our session, we’ll have introductions, answer any questions you have about the video content, our mission to form strong families and build community, then walk through what happens on the day of your child’s baptism. Please bring your child(ren)! Light refreshments are provided.

2024-2025 baptism class dates:

 September 22
 January 19
 April 27
 June 22

Once you contact Laura at lstierman@seasparish.org or 651-437-4254, ext 237. She’ll give you the easy log-in directions to watch the videos, answer any questions you might have, and confirm your class date.

The Baptism

We are more than happy to schedule a baptism day and time that works for your family. Baptisms are generally done during or following our weekend Masses, but can be done on any day of the week at any time, depending on Fr. Dave or Deacon Rod’s availability.

Sponsor/Godparent Requirements

Parents are entrusted to choose up to two Godparents. Godparents are an important part of the life of the child since they will support and teach the child throughout life! Your Godparents are invited to also watch one session of the baptism videos titled, ‘What it means to be a Godparent.’ There is to be one male sponsor (Godfather) or one female sponsor (Godmother) or one of each gender (Godmother and Godfather).

To be a Sponsor/Godparent a person must:
(a) Be designated by a parent
(b) Have completed the sixteenth year of age
(c) Be a practicing Catholic, which means he or she has received all of their sacraments and participates in the life of the Church by attending Mass (at a minimum.) A person who was baptized Catholic but now adheres to another faith (non-denominational or Lutheran, for example) is ineligible to be a Godparent OR sponsor.
(d) Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared. Adults who are married outside of the church, re-married without an annulment, or living together without the benefit of the sacrament of marriage are ineligible for the role of Godparent.
(e) Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

Read more about the role of a Godparent HERE.

Support for Young Families

If your little one needs some extra attention during Mass, the Family Room across from the Adoration Chapel is open for use. There, you will find a quiet space with Mass streaming on television, some toys, and a full diaper-changing station.

Men, we have a great group for you to deepen your faith to give you strength for the parenting journey: The Watchmen is for dads who have a desire to grow in faithful fatherhood.

Still have questions? Please contact Laura Stiermanand she will be happy to answer them.

Updated June 18, 2024

Request your baptism certificate HERE.

Adults and children age 7 and older wishing to receive Baptism are encouraged to join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Fr. Dave can help you with RCIA.