Baptism FAQs

Congratulations!


We are excited to welcome your son or daughter to our community!

  • Q: What are the requirements for my child’s Godparent?

    A: The Catholic godparent must be at least 16 years old, and received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. They must be in good standing and a practicing Catholic at a parish.

  • Q: What will the Godparent need?

    A: The Catholic godparent (s) will need a letter from the current church verifying the status in that parish. Godparents should also send verification that he or she received all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) by contacting the church he or she was baptized at. Please have that church send records to St. Peter Parish, c/o Anna Juguilon, 2807 15th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144.

  • Q: Can we have a non-Catholic godparent?

    A. Yes. As long as you have one Catholic godparent that fits the above requirements.

  • Q: What if the godparents can’t come to the actual celebration?

    A. You can have a proxy stand in for the godparent(s). Please let the staff know so they can record the name of the proxy on the certificate.

  • Q: Does a non-Catholic godparent have paperwork?

    A. No. Though we encourage ALL godparents to take at least one baptism preparation class at either their church or here at St. Peter. Once the class is completed, please have the church send a letter to the above address.

  • Q: What’s the difference between a godparent and a sponsor?

    A. There really is none. Sponsor and godparent mean the same thing. All godparent names will be listed as “sponsors” on the baptismal certificate.

  • Q: What other forms will I need for infant baptism?

    A: You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate in on the first day of class. We do not keep this on file, we visually verify your child’s information and then return the birth certificate to you right away. You will also need to register as a parishioner prior to requesting a baptism date. (Baptism dates will not be confirmed until families are registered parishioners at St. Peter.)

  • Q: What about classes? How many, how often, when are they offered, etc.?

    A: Parents are required to take a class or an equivalent of 4 hours here in the Seattle Archdiocese. Godparents are strongly encouraged to also take classes. Here at St. Peter, we ask godparents to take one baptism preparation class. Classes are prearranged; please click here to contact the parish office or call 206.324.2290.

  • Q: When are baptisms?

    A: Baptisms normally are at the Saturday, 5:30pm Vigil Mass, Sunday, 8:30 Mass or Sunday, 10:30am mass.

  • Q: How often are baptisms held?

    A: Baptism are typically offered throughout the year. Please check the schedule. There are times we may not offer baptisms at one of those masses.

  • Q: If I am not a parishioner, may I take the class or have a baptism here at St. Peter?

    A: You do not need to be a registered parishioner to take the classes. Any family, parent, or godparent may sign up for the class or classes he or she needs. If you are not a parishioner, but have special circumstances for wanting to have a baptism here at St. Peter, you will need to receive special permission from our pastor. Your current pastor will also have to send a letter of delegation in order for the baptism to take place here.

  • Q: What if we are parishioners at St. Peter but we wish to have the baptism elsewhere?

    A: Please make sure to contact Ana Juguilon as soon as you know where and when the baptism will take place. You will need to coordinate classes, verify godparents and receive a letter of delegation from our pastor in order to have your child’s baptism take place other than St. Peter. This takes more time and it is helpful to get this down before scheduling the baptism at a different location.

  • Q: Do parents need to have received all three Sacraments of Initiation to have their child baptized?

    A. No. Both parents need to agree to the baptism, but only one parent needs to be a practicing Catholic registered at the parish.

  • Q: We are not married. Can our child be baptized?

    A. Yes. If you have any questions about marriage in the Catholic Church, please contact Ana Juguilon or go to our www.stpeterparish.net. 

  • Q: Is there a fee?

    A: No. It is presumed that the parents/guardians belong to the parish and are regularly supporting the Church according to their ability.  The priest or deacon performing the Baptism is often given a monetary gift as a token of appreciation, but this is at the discretion of the family.  If the parents/guardians do live elsewhere and are celebrating the Baptism here for the convenience of the family, a donation to the parish would be very appropriate.

  • Do you have a question not answered here?

    Contact Ana Juguilon at 206.324.2290 or stpeterseattle@broadstripe.net

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