Baptisms

Baptisms...

...at St. Michael Parish are celebrated during or separate from Mass.

You may choose to have the Baptism during one of the Masses: on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM or Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM, with some exceptions. Or you may choose to have the Baptism at 12:15 PM on Sunday or other limited times, which is the Rite of Baptism outside of Mass. PLEASE NOTE: During the season of Lent Baptism are scheduled only separately from Mass.

We wish to have no more than two Baptisms celebrated at any one Mass. These will be scheduled as they are requested. There is more flexibility to the number of Baptisms outside of Mass.

To make arrangements for Baptism or to register for the Parent Preparation meeting, please contact the parish office 330-492-3119 x 219, or email julie@stmichaelcanton.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FULFILLED PRIOR TO THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM?

Parents should be registered members of St. Michael Parish. It is a diocesan requirement that parents take part in a Parent Preparation Meeting prior to the Baptism, if they have never attended a meeting at St. Michael’s.
WHAT ABOUT “PRIVATE BAPTISM?”

Baptism, by its very nature, is never “private,” but is communal. We are initiating someone into this community, therefore it stands to reason that a significant part of the community be present and take part in the celebration.
WHICH PREPARATION MEETING SHOULD I ATTEND?

You may choose any one of the meetings, even if you have not yet chosen the date for the Baptism. Many couples have found that it is easier to attend the meeting even before the birth of the baby.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE GODPARENT? Godparents are members of the Christian community who, by their lives and their faith, set a good example for the child whose initiation into this community they are sponsoring. Godparents may also support the parents in the upbringing of the child as a Catholic Christian. They should be able to stay in communication with the child as he or she is growing up. It is recommended that, at the time of the child’s Confirmation, one of the Baptism sponsors serves as the Confirmation Sponsor.
WHO MAY SERVE AS A GODPARENT?

One godparent must be a baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age. The other may be of another religious tradition, but must be a baptized, practicing Christian. This person is called a “Christian Witness.”
HOW MANY GODPARENTS MAY I HAVE?

According to Canon Law (Canon #873) there may be one godfather, one godmother or one of each. It is not permissible to have two godmothers or two godfathers.
WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST THE GODPARENTS PRESENT?

None. The Diocese of Youngstown does not require that the parents present a “Sponsor Certificate.” The appropriateness of the choice of godparent is left up to the parents.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS WHICH I MAY HAVE REGARDING BAPTISM?

You may phone the parish office (330-492- 3119 x 219).

Parent Preparation Meetings

Please call the parish office or email Julie@stmichaelcanton.org to register for a class.
Baptism preparation is a diocesan requirement before Baptism.