The Sacrament of Baptism

Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 

(John 3:5)

Baptism is the gateway to the sacraments and is necessary for salvation by actual reception or at least by desire. Through baptism men and women are freed from sin, are reborn as children of God, and, configured to Christ by an indelible character, are incorporated into the Church. 

(Code of Canon Law no. 849).

 

The sacrament of Baptism at St. Joseph’s is available to all parishioners.

Anyone who lives within the canonical boundaries of St. Joseph’s is automatically a parishioner. The parish boundaries span roughly from Houston to 14th Street and Hudson to University Place. Someone living outside these boundaries can become a parishioner by registration. Registered parishioners living outside of parish boundaries must be registered at least six months before requesting Baptism.  

All active parishioners attend Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s and support the parish on a regular and consistent basis.

To register as a parishioner of St. Joseph’s, please fill out this form.

All parents and godparents of children to be baptized must attend a baptism preparation class before the celebration of the sacrament. Attendance of one class fulfills the requirement for all subsequent baptisms at St. Joseph's.

Classes  are held at St. Joseph's on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of each month at 1:00 p.m.

To register, please email baptisms@stjosephgv.nyc

A godparent must be a Catholic at least 16 years old who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the responsibilities associated with being a godparent. 

Only one godparent is required, but there can be up to two godparents total: one godmother and one godfather. Godparents are required to take a baptism preparation class.  If godparents are active parishioners of St. Joseph's, they can register for a class by emailing baptisms@stjosephgv.nyc

If the prospective godparents of a child to be baptized live outside of the New York City area, they should take a preparation class at their own home parishes. A letter from their pastor testifying to their status as an active parishioner of their parish and their completion of a baptism preparation class is required.  The letter is to be received by St. Joseph’s Church no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled baptism.

Note: Adult baptisms are celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass upon completion of the RCIA program. For further information, please email RCIA@stjosephgv.nyc

Baptism of children is celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at 1:00 p.m. 

To schedule a baptism, please e-mail baptisms@stjosephgv.nyc

Though not required, it is customary for parents to make a voluntary donation in support of the ministry of the parish. These offerings are generally between $100 to $500.