Baptizing Your Child

In Baptism the Church welcomes with joy a new member of the Body of Christ. Since its first days, the Church has been entrusted with baptizing “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” and teaching what the Lord Jesus had taught his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

At St. Robert, the baptism of infants and young children includes this important preparation:

The sincere desire to raise the child in the Catholic Christian faith
Parish membership (or letter of delegation from pastor of current parish)
Scheduling the baptism and the pre-baptismal orientation sessions

Pre-Baptismal Sessions for Parents and Sponsors/Godparents

Sessions are held each month. Please contact the Parish Office for details or to register for an upcoming session. If the sponsors/godparents (or Christian witness) live in the area, they should also attend the pre-baptismal session.

Who May Be a Sponsor/Godparent?

Sponsors/godparents must be baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholics, 16 years of age or older, and a person other than a parent or adoptive parent of the child. At least one must be named, but no more than two. A Christian witness—that is, a baptized non-Catholic—may also be selected. Christian witnesses must also be 16 years of age or older and not the parent or adoptive parent. Grandparents may serve as sponsors/godparents or as Christian witnesses.

Scheduling A Baptism

Call the Parish Secretary, (414) 332-1164 ext. 3010, who will put you in contact with the Pastor, who will then set a time and date and explain the needs for baptism in the Parish. Also at that time information for the child to be baptized, the parent/s and godparent/s information will be gathered. If you chose Baptism at a Sunday Liturgy there will be pews reserved for the family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my child wear?

It is appropriate to dress the child in a white baptismal gown; however any formal church attire is appropriate. A symbolic white stole will be provided by the church as part of the rite of Baptism.

What if the sponsor/godparent or Christian witness cannot be present?

A proxy may stand in on the day of baptism for either a sponsor/godparent or a Christian witness. The sponsor/godparent or Christian witness, not the name of the proxy, is listed on the certificate.

Can a guest priest or deacon baptize our child?

Yes, but he must be approved by the Pastor.

What if my child was already baptized in the hospital in an emergency?

The rite of baptism (in church) ought to be supplied after an emergency baptism. The hospital baptism is then documented in the parish baptism registry.