A Time for Celebration and Joy

Your baby’s baptism is a time for celebration and joy. It is the first and most important step you will take as Catholic parents in the faith life of your child. Baptism is the first Sacrament of the Catholic Church and initiates us into the Body of Christ—into His life, Death and Resurrection. It is the essential sacrament in becoming a disciple of Christ and indelibly marks us as His. This sacrament is the essential prerequisite for all the others. Baptism is God’s way of showing love for each child. It is the sign that reminds us that we are loved and created in God’s own image. Through the waters of baptism, your child is welcomed into God’s family. 

We welcome you and your family to Divine Mercy Parish for the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. Please carefully read the steps below in order to facilitate your celebration.

ARRANGING A BAPTISM AT DIVINE MERCY

  1. Review our Baptism Q&A.  Please carefully read our Baptism Q&A found on this web page. The baptism Q&A covers many facets of Baptism at Divine Mercy. If you have more questions, please contact our Baptism Coordinator.
  2. Submit the Baptism Request Form.  Registration for Baptism at Divine Mercy is required. Please submit our Baptism Request Form and our Baptism Coordinator will then contact you to confirm the information, answer any questions, provide additional information and confirm the date and time for your child’s Baptism.
  3. Enroll in a Baptismal Preparation Class.  All new parents are asked to complete a Baptismal Preparation Class before their child is baptized. If this is not your first child, we ask that you attend a class if it has been more than three years since you last attended. The preparation class is important for the information it provides regarding the ceremony and for a broader understanding of the significance of the Sacrament of Baptism.  Given ongoing COVID concerns and the challenges of scheduling in-person Sessions, we have switched to on-line Sessions, usually on week day evenings.  If you need to participate, our Baptism Coordinator will help to schedule one with you and other couples.  
  4. Final Preparation. A week to ten days prior to the scheduled date, the Priest or Deacon who will preside at the Baptism will contact you to discuss the ceremony, provide the opportunity for you to choose readings, and otherwise personalize the ceremony for you and your family.

For more information, please contact Deacon Gerry Keenan at gekeenan@archchicago.org.

Baptism Q&A

When are baptisms celebrated?
Baptisms are generally celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Sundays following the 10:00 a.m. Mass and at St. Philip the Apostle Church on Sundays following the 8:00 a.m. Mass. 

Exceptions to the usual time for Baptism may occur during the Easter and Christmas seasons.  Baptisms may also be celebrated during Mass on most Sundays at either Sacred Heart or St. Philip, and at other times and dates.  In case of emergency or illness, Baptisms can take place at any time.  

Please contact our Baptism Coordinator for more information.  
At what age are children usually baptized?
At Divine Mercy Parish, children are generally baptized when they are between two and six months old.  However, all children up to age of seven are welcome to Baptism. We also welcome children age seven or older to Baptism. We offer baptismal preparation designed to meet the needs of older children and their parents. We also welcome adults interested in Baptism to join our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process.

Please contact our Baptism Coordinator for more information for either of these situations.
Can I have my child baptized if my spouse or the other parent is not Catholic?
Yes, only one parent needs to have received the Sacrament of Baptism. The other parent must agree to have the child baptized. Please note, however, that if one or both of the parents have expressed an intent to become Catholic, the child may be baptized Catholic. As long as there is an earnest desire for the child to be reared in the Catholic faith, the Church will work with the parents on baptizing the child and addressing any specific concerns.
Do I have to be married in the church to have my child baptized?
No, however, we would invite those who have not received the sacrament of Marriage​ to contact the Parish Office for more information on how to celebrate this sacrament.  The ceremony is a con-validation of the civil marriage, which is already recognized by the Church as valid.  Many couples find joining in the sacramental union is a prayerful and powerful way to reaffirm their commitment to each other and their families.
What is the role of the Godparents in the baptism?
Along with parents, a godparent is to present the child at baptism, to assist the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith, and to serve as a role model.
What are the qualifications for Godparents?
There are five qualifications a Godparent must meet:
  1. Be chosen by the parents or guardians of the child;
  2. Be at least 16 years old;
  3. Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and be a Catholic of good standing, leading a life in harmony with the faith;
  4. Be someone other than the child’s parents; and
  5. Not be bound by any penalty imposed by the Church.

A Godparent or Christian Witness (see below) who is unable to attend the baptism may have a representative (proxy) take his/her place.
How many Godparents can a person have?
A person can have either one male or one female godparent, or one of each. Two godparents of the same sex or more than two godparents are not permitted. Additional sponsors are welcome, but are not officially considered godparents.
Can a Christian who is not Catholic serve as a Godparent?
A non-Catholic cannot serve as a godparent, but he or she can participate in the baptism as a Christian Witness. However, it remains the responsibility of the Catholic godparent to ensure a Christian upbringing for the child. Similarly, Catholics are permitted to serve as baptismal witnesses in other Christian communities. If a non-Catholic Christian Witness is chosen, the other godparent must be a practicing Catholic.

Note: a non-baptized person may not serve as a Christian witness.
What should my child wear for the baptism?
A white garment is an ancient sign of the newly baptized Christian's new life in Christ. Your child's baptismal garment need not be a traditional baptismal or christening gown; it can be any clothing that is mainly white. (Regular department stores such as Macy's and Kohl's sell traditional baptismal gowns.)
Is there a fee for the baptism?
There is no fee for Baptisms at Divine Mercy Parish. However many families wish to offer a donation to the Parish on the occasion of their child's Baptism - usually in the range of $150 to $300.  This may be placed in an envelope and given to the priest or deacon celebrating the Baptism or it may be mailed to the parish.