Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word." (From the Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Baptism Preparation
Parents preparing to celebrate baptism of a child for the first time at St. John Nepomuk will need to attend our baptism seminar. If it has been 3 years since attending a baptism seminar, you are will also need to attend the seminar prior to scheduling your child's baptism. Both parents should attend if at all possible. Baptism seminars are held quarterly on Monday evenings.
Call the parish office (405-354-2743) to register for the next scheduled baptism seminar.
Baptism Forms
After attending the Baptism seminar you will need to fill out the following forms: Baptism Information Form and Godparent Affidavit Form. Once you have completed these forms bring them to the Parish office to schedule your child's baptism.
Scheduling Baptisms
Infant (up to Age 7) Baptism
Infant baptisms take place during Sunday Mass (excluding the seasons of Advent and Lent). Infants and older children (up to 7 years old) may also be baptized immediately following a Sunday Mass in the chapel. Once you have attended the baptism seminar and completed the necessary forms you may schedule your child's baptism at the parish office.
Child ( Ages 7-18) Baptism
Children 7 years and older will need to register and attend the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) before they can receive their sacraments.
Adult Baptism
Adult Baptism Preparation is conducted through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
Call the parish office (405-345-2743) for questions about scheduling a baptism.
Godparent Requirements
Parents may choose godparents for their children from among family or friends qualified to serve in that capacity. Parents may choose a godfather and a godmother or just one godparent. Godparents not only serve as witnesses at the ceremony of baptism but also assist the baptized in leading a Christian life. Therefore, Church law requires that godparents are living the Catholic faith and meet the following qualifications (canons 872-874)
1. They should ordinarily be at least 16 years of age.
2. They must be Catholics who have received Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
3. They must be actively participating in the faith community, including attending Mass regularly and leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith (e.g., not living in an immoral situation). Fallen away Catholics may not serve as godparents or Christian witnesses.
4. If they are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. They may not be divorced and remarried outside the Catholic Church.
Parents of the child to be baptized may not serve as godparents. If only one godparent is chosen, parents may ask someone baptized in a non-Catholic community to serve as a Christian witness to the ceremony, along with the Catholic godparent
