Church Policies

Eligibility for Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is “open to all” (CCC#1225).  This means “Every person not yet baptized, and only such a person, is able to be baptized” (CCC#1246).  So while the proper time and location of the Baptism should be discerned, reception of the sacrament is always encouraged and never refused.

• Any child, from birth to “catechetical age” [five (5) years old] can be presented by their parents for Infant Baptism.
• Any child, six (6) years of age and older, should receive religious education, and prepare for their baptism through Christian Initiation of Children (CIC).

Please refer to our brochure “Faith Formation for Preschool to High School,” or call 604-277–1066 and enroll the child into religious education and the CIC.

The Celebration of Baptism

Baptism, like the other sacraments, is a public celebration.  Catholic parents may celebrate their child’s baptism at Sunday Mass with the assembly, or during one of our monthly baptismal liturgies, as soon as practical after birth.

Specific dates and times of Masses have been chosen for the coming year.

Teenagers and Adults are usually baptized during the Easter Vigil.

Scheduling A Child’s Baptism

Parents are invited to prepare for their child’s baptism by calling the parish office (604-277-8353).

For parents who are having their first child baptized, the baptism registration form, parish registration, and an interview (anytime between pregnancy to one month prior to baptism) with the Pastor should be completed before attending a baptism preparation session offered by the Church.

All dates and times will be discussed during the interview.

Baptism Preparation (For First Child Only)

Our one-evening preparation session is a time to support parents in taking a more “active, conscious, and devout” part in the celebration of the Baptism of their child.

Here at St. Joseph the Worker, parents who are asking for Baptism for their first child are expected to participate in the process before the baptism of their first child. Sponsors (Godparents) may attend baptism preparation also, but first-time parents must attend baptism preparation in order to have their first child baptized.

Sponsors

According to (canon law 872-874), a person being baptized is to be assigned a sponsor.  For an adult baptism, the sponsor’s role is to assist the person in Christian Initiation.  For an infant baptism, the role is together with the parents to present the child for baptism, to help the child live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism.

One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex.  (Any additional persons would be witnesses).

Sponsors must be not less than sixteen years of age, Catholics who have been confirmed and have received the blessed Eucharist and who live a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken.

Consent

Only Parent(s) or legal Guardian(s) of the child can request or give consent to baptism.  All other parties (Grandparents, Relatives, Nannies, Babysitters, etc…..) must abide by the wishes of the Parents

Baptism Offering

The voluntary offering, as suggested by the Chancery Office, for Baptism is $50 dollars.

Infant baptisms are celebrated on one Sunday a month, generally third Sunday following the session of baptism preparation. Other special days are set aside for baptism. Easter is the main season for baptisms. Baptisms are celebrated on the Sundays of Easter (except First Communion Sunday).