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Baptism

The time of preparation and the celebration of the sacrament invites the parents, godparents, and other loved ones to enter more deeply into an understanding of God's love and presence in their lives. As parents and godparents, you are making the commitment to nurture a life of faith for your child.
​The Catholic faith is the greatest gift you can give to your child.

Baptism Celebrations

Baptisms are celebrated in English on the ​first and third Saturdays
​of the month at 11:00am.

​Baptisms are celebrated in Spanish on the third Sunday of the month at 12:30pm, following the Spanish Mass.
Debe de atender la misa en Español antes del bautizo.

Baptismal Preparation Course

  • Baptismal preparation courses in English are held at 9:00am on Sundays, beginning with Mass in church.

  • Baptismal preparation courses in Spanish are held at 11:30am on Sundays, beginning with Mass in church.

  • Both parents and godparents must attend one baptismal preparation course before the Baptism can take place. If you have attended a baptismal preparation course at another Catholic parish within three years, you must provide Our Lady of the Holy Family with a letter or certificate of attendance.

  • To register for the course, you must call or email the rectory office at (312) 488-9883 / olhfparish@archchicago.org

  • Those wishing to participate in the course are required to attend Mass before class.

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En Español

  • Los padres y los padrinos deben asistir a una clase de bautismo antes de que el bautismo pueda tener lugar (si usted ha asistido a una clase para un bautismo anteriormente, dentro de tres años, entonces puede presentar una carta o certificado de asistencia de cualquier parroquia)

  • Para ver las fechas vea arriba.

  • Primero hay que asistir a la misa y luego al curso.

  • Curso de preparación en Espanol es alas 11:30am.  

Registering for a Baptismal Preparation Course

To sign up for a class, please call or email the rectory.
In order to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism for a child, the following is required:​

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REGISTRATION

  1. Only the parents of a child are able to register a child for baptism. (cf. Code of Canon Law. 868 §1)

  2. Choose a date for the baptism.

  3. Family must present a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate (The proper names and spelling of the child will appear on the Baptismal Certificate as it does on the Birth Certificate).

  4. Children under the age of 7 are to be Baptized in this form (If the child is over 7 years of age, he/she must be enrolled for Religious Education classes).

  5. Fill out the registration form with the most current information for the family.

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GODPARENTS

  • Please have the names of the godparents available upon registration.

  • Godparents must be a confirmed Catholics. 

  • Godparents must be above the age of 16.

  • Godparents should be practicing Catholics (cf. Code of Canon Law, 874) 

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You will receive more information from the parish within a week of registration. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office at (312) 243-7400 or send an email to OLHFParish@archchicago.org.

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FAQ's

Are single parents or parents who weren't married in the church able to baptize their child?

Yes, Our Lady of the Holy Family welcomes every parent to bring their child forward for baptism, no matter what their circumstances may be. Parents who were not married in the Roman Catholic Church might consider the possibility of having your marriage convalidated in the church. Parish staff will gladly assist you in that process although it is not necessary for baptizing your child.

Can I choose more than two Godparents?

Yes, you may choose more than two godparents, please let us know. 

Can I have two Godparents of the same sex?

If you choose two godparents of the same sex, one can be the "official" godparent for the sacramental record book, and the other can be the "honorary" godparent. 

What should the baby wear for the baptism?

A white garment is an ancient sign of the newly baptized Christian's new life in Christ. Traditional baptismal garments and gowns are not required, but the garment should be primarily white.

What age are children are children usually baptized?

Catholic tradition holds that children are typically baptized during infancy, prior their first birthday. If a child is above the age of seven, they must go through the Rite of Christian Initiation.

Can someone be a Godparent if they have not received all the Sacraments?

At least one godparent must be fully initiated into the Catholic Church, having received the sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

How do I choose a Godparent?

When choosing a godparent for your child, prayerfully consider the following:
1) Does this person truly exemplify the faith, by living according to the teachings of the Catholic Church?
2) Does this person live a life in harmony with the Church?
3) Does this person regularly practice their faith by participation in the sacramental life of the Church?
4) Godparents should not be chosen because of family expectations or pressure. The role of the godparent(s) is to be a presence, specifically a spiritual presence, in a child’s life.

Do both Godparents have to be Catholic?

At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic.

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