INFANT BAPTISM PROCEDURES

Baptism Information for Parents
The Family of the child should reside in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish boundaries.
If a family lives outside the boundaries they should be registered parishioners or request permission for baptism from their parish of residence.

Families who are registered at another parish may still have their child baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel if scheduling is available. A letter of permission to baptize from their pastor is also required.

Parents need to attend a baptismal preparation class either at Our Lady of Mount Carmel or at another parish (proof of attendance is required). If parents have attended a baptismal preparation class within the previous two years in the Diocese of Phoenix they are still encouraged but not required to attend preparation class.

There is no waiting period from the time of registration from the time of requesting Baptism, though we do encourage parents to prepare prior to the birth of their child.

Scheduling is done on a first come first serve basis with priority to parish families. Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s scheduled Baptisms are held the 3rd and the 4th Sunday of every month after the 11:00am Mass. All other requests must be approved by the pastor.

Baptism Information regarding Godparents
Only two godparents may be listed in the baptismal registry (one of each gender). Only one godparent is required.

In order to be considered a godparent, a person must be 16 years of age and have received all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist). If married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church. Catholics in irregular marriages are encouraged to talk to their Pastor to see if the marriage can be validated in the Church.

A Baptized Christian from another denomination can witness the baptism as a Christian Witness, along with a Catholic Godparent. Please note: Non-Catholic Christians do not include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Jehovah Witness or anyone who is un baptized.

If godparents are registered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel letters are not required. Permission/Sponsor letters for Catholics registered at other parishes are encouraged and welcomed but not required.

Godparents and Christian Witnesses are highly encouraged to attend a baptismal preparation class with the parents.