

THE SACRAMENT OF BASTISM
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
- Matthew 28:19-20

BAPTISM
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
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BAPTISM
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
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GETTING BAPTIZED
If you are interested in scheduling a baptism at St Monica's, please read the following:
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Scheduling a Baptism
As the parent/legal guardian of the child to be baptized, you must book the baptism in person, in the parish office-during office hours. We require this so that we can ensure your child’s baptismal envelope has all the required documentation. This becomes important later in life when your child may need to prove they were baptized for a catholic high school, or college, to be married or any other reason.
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When you come to the office, please have a copy of your child’s birth certificate (we can make a copy of the original for you if you do not have the means to make a copy), as well as paperwork for one godparent. Acceptable godparent paperwork is proof of confirmation or a letter from current parish stating they are practicing and can be a godparent.
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When you are present with both documents, a baptismal envelope is filled out and a date is selected. Should you be unable to pick a date (have to check with spouse, check traveling family, etc.) we do not fill out the folder or take the paperwork. The folder is only done when we have both documents and you are prepared to select a date. Please know this is to ensure your folder is filed correctly, by date, and we have everything ready for your child’s ceremony.
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Once your child’s folder is filled out, and date is selected and marked on both baptism folder and in the mass book, you will then sign up for a baptismal prep class. The class needs to be prior to their baptism. While it is great if both parents/guardians can make the class, and we encourage godparents to attend as well, in order to meet the requirement, one parent must attend the class.
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Inquiry by Phone
Please feel free to call the parish office at 212-288-6250 to ask any questions you may have our office staff will be happy to provide additional information to you. The office staff will also share current open masses or services for baptism, however, we cannot hold a date. Please understand this is again to ensure your child’s paperwork is filed and accurate.
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Baptism Class:
We allow for a parent/legal guardian who intends to have their child baptized at our parish at a later time to take the class prior to booking a baptism. It is your responsibility to obtain a certificate of completion at the class and bring this certificate, with other required documents, at the time you come to the parish office to book the baptism.
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Anyone who is going to be a godparent, and needs to take a prep class, please feel free to call the office and schedule yourself for one of our available classes. There is no fee for this class.
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