Baptism

"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 serve all that I have commanded you. 
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20

Parents wishing to have their child baptized should contact the parish office at (740) 345-4290. It is preferable that they contact the parish office even prior to the birth of the child.

Currently, baptismal preparation entails at least one meeting with our Faith Formation Coordinator, Brittany Hobbs.  More meetings may be scheduled depending on the circumstances.

Parents are urged to choose godparents wisely. Only one godparent is required, though two (one male and one female) are encouraged.

Godparents must be Catholics at least 16 years of age who have been Confirmed and who have made their First Holy Communion. The godparent must be a person "who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken." (Code of Canon Law 874). This includes giving witness to the practice of the faith by regular Mass attendance and, if married, being in a marriage recognized by the Church.

Baptized persons who were not baptized in the Catholic Church can serve as an official witness. Thus, it is possible to have a Catholic godfather and to have a non-Catholic and baptized woman serve as a witness (and vice-versa).
 

 "Holy 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. "

​Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213