The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Infant Baptism

Congratulations! We are happy with you at the birth of your child and would like to welcome your new baby. A new life born into the human family should always be a joyful and happy event, and it is an event that changes the lives of people and of the world because this new life, we hope and expect, is to make this world a better place.

Our Responsibility

If the world is to become a better place because a new person has been born into it, then you as parents have a large responsibility. However, you are not alone. We, the parish communities of St. Hugh and Our Lady of Consolation, into which you have asked to have your child baptized shared that responsibility with you. We take that responsibility seriously, and we want to do everything possible to fulfill our responsibility. But, we need your participation. Without you we cannot do this. We believe that it is only when people come together in a spirit of love and begin to care for each other that faith really comes alive and to form the Body of Christ. Sharing in the life of this Christian community is what you have asked for your child, and we, St. Hugh and Our Lady of Consolation communities, say “yes” to welcome your child and to accept a new member into our midst. Let us together accept this responsibility for the well-being of this new member.
 

Qualifications for Godparents (Baptism Sponsors)

1. Be designated by the candidate, by the parents or guardians, or the pastor.
2. Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role of sponsor.
3. Be at least 16 years old.
4. Be a fully initiated Catholic (received baptism, confirmation and Eucharist).
5. Lead a life in harmony with the faith and role of a sponsor (i.e., be a member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, not be in an irregular marriage, etc.).
6. Not be bound by a canonical penalty.
7. Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. 

Our diocese continues the practice of requiring proof of eligibility for sponsorship (in accord with the qualifications above) from the parish in which the sponsor is registered.
 

The Number of Sponsors 

1. Only one sponsor is required for baptism.
2. If, two sponsors are chosen one must be male and the other female.
3. The second sponsor may be a Christian Witness (i.e., a non-Catholic Christian may fulfill this role) and one who is a member of a Christian Church and worships regularly.

In the event that neither the candidate, nor the parents or guardians select a sponsor, pastors may appoint a member of the parish community to fill the role of sponsor. Many parents are often concerned that they cannot find a suitable sponsor for a variety of reasons (i.e., unavailability of family members, being new to the area or unfamiliar with parishioners, etc.).
 

Policy

1. Please call or email the Parish Office to schedule your child's Baptism. Click here for Parish Directory. Please fill out the Baptismal Form and return to the Parish Office.
2. A Baptismal Class with the Pastor is required prior to the Baptism of your 1st child.

SACRAMENTAL SPONSORSHIP AND PARISH ENVELOPES

In order to provide a recommendation to serve as a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation, one must demonstrate that he/she is actively registered and participating in the life of the Church. Anyone 21 years of age or older should be registered as a member of the parish independently from their parents.

If one has moved away from home, you have the responsibility as an adult to register at a parish in the town where you reside.

College Grads and Newly Weds — This means you!!!

One of the ways of the ways we keep records is by using parish envelopes. Offertory envelope packets for St. Matthias Parish are mailed directly to your home bimonthly. To register and request envelopes you can find the proper forms on our website: www.stmatthiasgreene.org/About Us/Join the Parish or you may call the St. Ann parish office at 724-627-7568 or the St. Hugh office at 724-966-7270.

The pastor of any parish cannot vouch for your participation as a Catholic in good standing if you are not a registered member of his parish.