Baptism

"We are a Stewardship Parish"

St. Joan of Arc
Catholic Church

12735 W. 58th Ave.
Arvada, CO 80002-1107
Phone: (303) 420-1232 Fax: (303) 420-0126

Mass/Communion Schedule:

-Communion Service: M-F, 6:15 a.m.
and T, W, Th, Noon

-Daily Mass: 8:30 a.m.

-Sunday Anticipatory Mass: Saturday, 5:00 p.m.

-Sunday Mass: 7:30, 9:00, 11:15 a.m.

Confessions: Saturday, 9-10 a.m. and 4-4:45 p.m. or call for an appointment.

Baptism Preparation

Prior to the baptism of a child, a preparation class is required for parents and sponsors (CCL 851). These classes are offered on the second Thursday of the each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Lorraine Room. Please call the parish office to register for the class and to schedule a baptism. Parents are encouraged to attend the class before or soon after the birth of the child.

A few points for consideration by parents planning an infant (under the age of 7 years old) baptism:

	The request for baptism must come from the parent or legal guardian. There are circumstances where a grandparent may request baptism with the child’s parents' consent. The grandparent must live near the child and must be willing to take on the responsibility of the child’s spiritual development in the Catholic Faith.
	The parents/guardians must be Catholic and accept the responsibility for teaching their child in the Catholic Faith through word and action.
	Baptism should not be seen as merely a naming ceremony. It is the child’s entrance into the Church, the Body of Christ, and so much more.
	Only one sponsor (godparent) is required although it is customary that there be two. If there are two, there may be only one man and one woman. Two men or two women are not permitted (CCL 873).
	Godparents must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, be practicing Catholics, and be 16 years of age or older (CCL 874).
	Godparents must be registered in a parish (for a period of at least six months prior to the baptism) and we will need a verification letter from their parish to that effect before the baptism can take place.
	If married, the godparents must be in a valid Catholic marriage.
	The category of Christian Witness allows baptized, practicing, non-Catholic Christians to take part in the Catholic baptismal ceremony. This is to recognize both sides of the family in a mixed-religion marriage and to allow them to participate in the ceremony.
	In the case of a Christian Witness, there must also be a Confirmed Catholic godparent.
	Catholics are not eligible to be Christian witnesses.
	Canon Law requires parents and godparents to have pre-baptismal preparation.
	Children over the age of seven are no longer considered infants because they have reached the age of reason and therefore require preparation for all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. The preparation normally begins in September and culminates at the Easter Vigil.
	Baptisms are regularly held each Sunday, except during Holy Week. Other times may be arranged to accommodate special needs. Contact: Deacon Buddy, ext. 105, buddy@saintjoancatholic.org