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)
Requests for Child Baptism
To inquire about having your child’s baptism at St. Joseph’s, please download the "Baptism Request Form" and submit it to our parish secretary at secretary@stjosephgv.nyc. For more information, please download our Baptism Handbook.
Baptism should normally take place in the first month. However, children may receive infant baptism, where their parents make the profession of faith for them up through the age of 6. Child baptisms are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month and baptism preparation classes (for parents and godparents) are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Sign up for a baptism class here - for both parents and godparents.
Older children, above the age of 6, must be properly prepared for baptism. Contact the Director of Faith Formation, Nicole Bogatz at nicole@stjosephgv.nyc, to begin a program of preparation.
If you have any questions, please call the Parish Secretary at (212) 741-1274.
Requests for Adult Baptism
If you are an adult seeking the sacrament of baptism please see our "Become Catholic" page.
Donation
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.
Baptism Class
We typically offer baptism class on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Parishioners of Old St. Patrick’s join us for baptism classes and we also welcome guests from other parishes. Proof of attendance will be sent directly to the parish requiring the class, so please make sure that everyone attending is registered for the class and the information is correct. It will be helpful to read the Baptismal Catechism before coming to class.
Become a Godparent
Being asked to be a godparent for a child is a great honor and serious obligation.
Canon law requires that a godparent:
Be appointed by the one to be baptized or their parents.
Be at least 16 years old.
Have received Confirmation and First Holy Communion
Live a life of faith
Not be under a canonical penalty
Not be one of the parents
If you are asked to serve as a godparent at St. Joseph’s church, we require you to make a written declaration of faith and practice and have signed by your parish priest. If you are a St. Joseph’s parishioner, the parish priests would be happy endorse your declaration of faith and practice after the Sunday Masses or during office hours.