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]

Baptism is to be arranged with the pastor in order to prepare for the child’s baptism after completion of Baptism Class held quarterly (March, June, September, December).

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Preparation for sacraments is highly recommended, encouraged, and mandated by the Catholic Church before the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Marriage, and Holy Orders are celebrated. The Diocese of Sioux City mandates that “Every parish or group of parishes shall ensure sacramental preparation for parents prior to the baptism of each child. Godparents may also be encouraged to participate. Good pastoral discretion is to be used for appropriate catechesis for parents with a child born soon after the baptism of a sibling.” The Diocese recommends that parents may be excused from baptism preparation if they have taken part in preparation for the baptism of a sibling within one to two years prior to the baptism of their new child. I recommend baptism class every five years for parents expecting another child.

Parents expecting a child are expected to attend the Baptism Class offered quarterly in our cluster. Parents who have taken part in preparation for the baptism of a sibling within five years prior to the baptism of their new child are excused, but should notify the pastor of the pending birth and baptism. Godparents from other parishes are required to complete a “Godparent in Good Standing” form with their pastor.

For baptisms of persons from other parishes, the permission of the proper pastor is required.

After Baptism Class has been completed, a date for baptism can be scheduled with the pastor.

If you are expecting a child within the next nine months, please call the parish office to register for class.

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PROOF OF BAPTISM is always required before the celebration of Confirmation, First Eucharist, Matrimony, or Holy Orders. During each of these sacramental moments the parish of baptism is contacted within six months prior to the celebration of baptism to verify the person’s baptism and any other Sacraments already celebrated and to verify the parish to be notified when the celebration is completed so the person’s Baptism record can be updated. This verification and notification is required by Church Law in order to keep our sacramental records up to date at the church where we were baptized.