Baptism
BAPTISM: Born into the the Kingdom of God
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of our seven sacraments.
We extend a special welcome to you if you are trying to find out more about Baptism for yourself or for your child. We want to assist you in raising your child in the faith.
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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. ccc 1213
Infant Baptism at Sunday Mass is encouraged.
Contact the parish office at (502) 491-8535 ext 121 to get more information about preparation sessions and registration paperwork.
Questions About Baptism
Do I have to be a member of St. Martha Church to have my child baptized?
The celebration of all our sacraments are community events and our community is our parish where we live. If you are a registered and supporting member of the St Martha parish, you may have your child baptized here.
If you live in another part of the Archdiocese or in another city, but would like to have your child baptized here for special reasons, please contact the parish office and speak to the PCL.
Are we required to have meetings or classes?
Here at St. Martha Church, we require that parents seeking Baptism for their child(ren) first meet with our Parish Catechetical Leader.
Preparation classes are held at the Parish Office at 7:00 PM on the Thursday before the Sunday Baptism Celebration, and lasts between 60-90 minutes.
Parents are required to attend and godparents are invited to join them. Children are welcome.
At this preparation session you will learn all about the sacrament, have your questions answered, and learn successful ways to incorporate the faith into your family life.
How do I apply for baptism?
Applications are obtained from the Parish Catechetical Leader in the Parish Office.
A choice of dates will be offered for the baptismal preparation class followed by a date for the sacrament of Baptism.
Parents receive a packet with registration forms for the child who is being baptized and godparent information paperwork. This paperwork needs to be returned as soon as possible in order to set the Baptism date.
Who can be a God-parent?
Every person being baptized, whether a child or an adult, must have a sponsor. The sponsors in Baptism have traditionally been called godparents. The minimum requirement is one godparent, but usually when infants are baptized, they have two, one of each gender.
Godparents must be:
16 years of age or older.
Confirmed Catholic.
Registered in a Catholic parish.
If married: in a sacramental marriage, recognized by the Catholic church.
If you wish, along with the Catholic sponsor, one witness can be a baptized Christian of another faith. They would be known as a Christian witness.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to have your child baptized. Donations made to the Church are always appreciated.