Baptism

The time of preparation and the celebration of the sacrament invites the parents, godparents, and other loved ones to enter more deeply into an understanding of God's love and presence in their lives. As parents and godparents, you are making the commitment to nurture a life of faith for your child.
The Catholic faith is the greatest gift you can give to your child.

Baptism Celebrations

Baptisms in English can be scheduled generally on Saturdays at 11:00am.

Baptisms in Spanish can be generally scheduled on Sundays at 12:30pm, following the Spanish Mass.
Debe de asistir a misa en Español antes del bautizo.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM:

Baptismal Preparation Course

All parents and godparents must attend a Baptismal Preparation Course before the Baptism. If you have attended a Baptismal Preparation Course here or at another Catholic parish within the last 12 months, you must provide Our Lady of the Holy Family with a letter or a certificate of attendance to be exempt from taking another Preparation Course.
To register for the Baptismal Preparation Course, please complete a Baptism Request Form, or you may call the rectory office at (312) 243-7400.

Curso de Preparación para Bautizar

Los padres y los padrinos tienen que asistir a una clase de preparación antes de que el bautismo pueda realizar. Si usted ha asistido a una clase para un bautismo anteriormente aquí u en otra parroquia dentro los últimos 12 meses, entonces puede presentar una carta o certificado de asistencia.
Para inscribirse en el curso, favor de completar el Formulario de Solicitud de Bautismo (se encuentra el enlace al final de esta página), llame a la oficina de la rectoría al (312) 243-7400.

Registration

Only the parents of a child are able to register a child for baptism. (cf. Code of Canon Law. 868 §1)
Request a date for the baptism.
If you are not a parishioner, a letter from the Pastor of your current parish is required.
Parents must provide the child's Birth Certificate (a copy will be made and the original will be returned to the parent). The proper names and spellings of the child and parents from the Birth Certificate will be used for the Baptismal Certificate and permanent Baptismal Record. The Birth Certificate should be brought to the Baptism Preparation Course, or may be brought prior.
The fee of $100 is due by the date of the Baptism Preparation Course. Cash or check can be brought to the class, or the fee can be paid with a credit card via Give Central.
Children under the age of 7 are Baptized on the authority of the parents. If the child is over 7 years of age, he/she must be enrolled for Religious Education classes.
Fill out the Registration Form with the most current information for the family.

GODPARENTS

Please have the full, legal names of the godparents available upon registration.
Only one godparent is required. A maximum of 2 godparents is permitted, one male and one female.
Godparents must be a confirmed Catholics.
Godparents must be above the age of 16.
Godparents should be practicing Catholics (cf. Code of Canon Law, 874).

You will receive more information from the parish within a week of registration. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office at (312) 243-7400 or send an email to OLHFParish@archchicago.org.

Click Here to Submit Your Baptism Payment Online

FAQ's

Are single parents or parents who weren't married in the church able to baptize their child?

Yes, Our Lady of the Holy Family welcomes every parent to bring their child forward for baptism, no matter what their circumstances may be. Parents who were not married in the Roman Catholic Church should consider the Sacrament of Matrimony, for themselves and as an example to your child, and to better raise the child in the faith. If already married civilly, then the marriage can be consolidated (valid sacramentally) in the church. Parish staff can assist you in the process.

Can I choose more than two Godparents?

Two godparents are the maximum permitted. Any additional can be "Christian witnesses" to the Baptism, but will not be listed on the Baptism Certificate or in any official records.

Can I have two Godparents of the same gender?

If you choose two godparents of the same gender, one can be the "official" godparent for the sacramental record book, and the other can be the "honorary" godparent.

What should the baby wear for the baptism?

A white garment is the traditional sign of the newly baptized Christian's new life in Christ. Traditional baptismal garments and gowns are not required, but the garment should be primarily white.

What age are children usually baptized?

Catholic tradition holds that children are typically baptized during infancy, prior to their first birthday. If a child is above the age of seven, they must go through the Rite of Christian Initiation.

Can someone be a Godparent if they have not received all the Sacraments?

At least one godparent must be fully initiated into the Catholic Church, having received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

How do I choose a Godparent?

When choosing a godparent for your child, prayerfully consider the following:
1) Does this person truly exemplify the faith, by living according to the teachings of the Catholic Church?
2) Does this person live a life in harmony with the Church?
3) Does this person regularly practice their faith by participation in the sacramental life of the Church?
4) Godparents should not be chosen because of family expectations or pressure. The role of the godparent(s) is to be a presence, specifically a spiritual presence, and accompaniment in a child’s life.

Do both Godparents have to be Catholic?

At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic. The other must be a baptized Christian.