Baptism and the Community

For us as Catholics, baptism is the sign of our unity with Christ’s community and a witness to our desire to be part of the discipleship of Christ. Just as the birth of a child is important to the entire family, so the baptism of the child is important to the entire parish family. For this reason, the Church suggests that baptism should be celebrated on Sunday so that the members of the parish community can be present. There is also the option of having the baptism after one of the weekend Masses. Our pastor may perform these baptisms.

At St. Jude, baptisms are traditionally not celebrated during Lent.

We encourage you to schedule your child's baptism three months in advance. We know that this is not always possible, so please do not let time constraints prevent you from contacting us. Baptismal preparation sessions will usually be held monthly for new parents.

To schedule a baptism and to make arrangements for a baptism preparation session, please contact the parish office either by calling (501) 982-4891 or email us at [email protected]

Baptism is a beginning! While it can happen only once in a lifetime, it can be renewed over and over again in a person’s life. The baptism of your child is an opportunity to renew your baptismal commitment and celebrate the amazing gift of life that our God shares with us.

 

Godparents and Sponsors
In the baptism of infants, parents take responsibility for choosing a godparent(s) who will serve as good examples for living the Catholic way of life. It is customary to have two godparents; however, only one is required for baptism. A godparent may be either male or female,  must be at least 16 years of age, but must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic (baptized, confirmed, and receiving the Eucharist).  if married, must be married in the Catholic Church, regularly attending Mass on Sunday, and living their faith. The two godparents do not have to be married to one another. The godparent may not be the parent of the child being baptized.  If the godparent is not a registered, active parishioner at St. Jude's, they must provide a letter from the pastor of the parish where they do practice their faith stating that they are active, practicing Catholics, and are registered in that parish.

If there are two godparents, one godparent MUST be a practicing Catholic. 
A baptized non-Catholic may not be a godparent but may serve as a witness along with a Catholic godparent.  Non-baptized persons may not serve as witness or godparent. 
If there is only one godparent, that godparent MUST be a practicing Catholic.

Godparents should be ready to commit the time and personal care to nurture and support the child and the parent(s). This support should be ongoing throughout the family’s journey of faith.