The Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament which truly makes us God’s adopted sons and daughters (Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1279). Baptizing a child requires an authentic commitment on the part of the parents and godparents to raise the child in the practice of the Catholic Faith.

The sacrament of baptism at St. Joseph’s Church is available to all parishioners of the parish. Parishioner status is given to those living within the canonical boundaries of St. Joseph’s Church (roughly, Houston to 14th Street and Hudson to University Place). Parishioners living outside of these boundaries must have registered as parishioners at St. Joseph’s six months before requesting the sacrament. 

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.

There is a required baptism preparation class before baptisms for all parents and godparents. This class is a one-time requirement, and it counts for all future baptism and godparent preparation requirements.

The baptism preparation classes are open to all St. Joseph’s parishioners and are held in the Church itself on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. To register for any of the classes listed below, please send an email to: baptisms@stjosephgv.nyc

A godparent must be a baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholic in good standing. Only one godparent is required, but there can be two godparents total: one godmother and one godfather. Godparents are required to take a baptism preparation class.  If godparents are active parishioners of Church, they can register for a class by sending an email to baptisms@stjosephgv.nyc.

If chosen godparents 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.

At St. Joseph’s Church, child baptisms are performed on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at 1 p.m.  

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

On the occasion of their child’s baptism, the parish invites all parents to make a generous offering in support of the life and ministry of the parish. Baptismal offerings generally run from $150-$1,000. 

If after reviewing the requirements for scheduling a baptism at St. Joseph’s church, you desire to schedule a baptism or you have questions regarding baptism please contact us via email at baptisms@stjosephgv.nyc.