"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." (CCC 1213)

Preparing Your Child for Holy Baptism

To celebrate your child's Baptism, you must be registered members of the parish for at least six months. Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith in Jesus Christ. As parents, you are asking the Church to welcome your child into God's family and to help them grow in the Catholic faith. Our goal is to support you as you prepare for this joyful sacrament.

Baptism Preparation Checklist:

• Attend a Baptism Seminar

Parents preparing to celebrate the Baptism of their child for the first time at St. John Nepomuk are asked to attend our Baptism seminar. The seminar helps you understand the meaning of the Sacrament, prepare for the celebration, and discuss the responsibilities of Christian life and faith within the home.

If it has been three (3) years or more since you attended a Baptism seminar,  you will need to attend again before scheduling your child's Baptism.

Baptism Seminar Schedule

Baptism seminars are held on the first Monday evenings in August, November, February, and May at 6:00 pm, located in the Discipleship Building. To register for the next seminar, please call the parish office (405) 354-2743.

• Choose a Godparent/Sponsor

Parents may choose a godfather and a godmother, or choose one sponsor for the baptism. Godparents serve as witnesses at the ceremony of Baptism and also help the child (and family) live out the Christian life. In Church law, a sponsor is required to be permitted to take on the function, and must meet the following qualifications. (Canons 872-874)

Godparent/Sponsor Requirements

• They should ordinarily be at least 18 years of age.
• They must be Catholics who have received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. 
• 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.
• 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

• Complete Baptism Forms

After attending the Baptism seminar,  you will need to complete the following paperwork:

• Baptism Information Form (Form can be submitted online or printed and turned in to Parish office)
• Godparent Affidavit Form (Form must be printed, signed, sealed, and turned in to Parish office)

Once the forms are completed, bring them to the Parish Office to schedule your child's Baptism.

Scheduling Your Child's Baptism

After you have been a registered member for at least six months, attended a Baptism seminar, and completed the required Baptism paperwork you may contact the Parish Office at (405) 354-2743 to schedule your child's Baptism.

When to Baptize?

The Church strongly encourages Baptism for infants as soon as possible after birth. (CCC 1250)

Infant (up to Age 7) Baptism
Infant baptisms take place during Sunday Mass, with the exception of 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.

Child ( Ages 7-18) Baptism
Children age 7 and older must register and attend the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) before receiving their sacraments.

Adult Baptism
Adult Baptism preparation is carried out through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

Contact the parish office (405) 354-2743 or email parishsecretary@sjnok.org for questions about preparing and scheduling Baptisms.