Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit 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. 

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. One of the most important things that you can do for your children is to bring them up in your Catholic faith. To have your baby baptized at Saint Joseph, we require that you attend a Baptism Preparation class. If this is not your first baby and you have already attended a Baptism Preparation class, either here or at another Catholic Church, we do not require that you attend a second one. 

If you are not registered here at St. Joseph, we require that you have permission from your pastor. 

We will ask you for the names of one or two sponsors (godparents). Godparents are Catholic witnesses to your child's Baptism. If one of the people you would like to have for a godparent is not Catholic, he or she can be what is called a Christian Witness. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are not the child's parents and are at least sixteen years old. Christian Witnesses must be Christian. Parishioners should call the parish office to make arrangements.