The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it.

Baptism is the sacrament that frees a person from original sin and from personal guilt that makes him/her a member of Christ and his Church. It is thus the door to a new life.

Baptism for Infants

Requirements for the parent(s) who desire to have their child (ren) baptized:

1. Parent(s) requesting the baptism of an infant child at IHM are expected to be registered as parishioners of IHM.

2. Parent(s) must attend a baptism preparation class either here or at another Roman Catholic Church before scheduling the baptism. (See times and locations, below.)

3. Parent (s) must provide a copy of the birth certificate of the child for parish records.

NOTE: If you have attended the class (either here at IHM or at another Roman Catholic Church) within the last two years, you may choose not to attend again. However, you must be able to present proof of completion of that class prior to the baptism.

Requirements for the sponsor(s) or Godparent(s)

1. Each child to be baptized must have at least one sponsor, and not more than two.

2. In the case of two sponsors, there should be one man and one woman. If they are married, they must be validly married in the eyes of the Church (in a marriage presided over by a priest, or blessed by a priest.)

3. At least one of the child’s sponsors must:

   a. be fully initiated in the Catholic faith, having themselves received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and
  b. be active in their local parish (must sign Godparent Statement form) and 
   c. be 16 years of age or older

4. It is not a requirement that the sponsors attend a baptism class.

The Baptism Preparation Class

Classes are offered on the following dates. Please register for the class before-hand, by phone (404.636.1418 ext. 241.)

Classes take place from 3:00- 4:00 pm in the Lower Level of the church.

NOTE: Please do not bring any young children (other than the infant being baptized) to the classes, as child care is not offered. Thank you for your cooperation.

The Baptism Class Fee

There is a fee of $25.00 for the baptism class. You may make payment in advance in the parish office, or mail a check to the parish office. (Please indicate that the check is for the baptims class, so that payment is processed correctly.)

Celebration of Baptisms

Baptisms will occur at Masses on the following weekends:

* Since March falls within the season of Lent, baptisms are not celebrated during that month.

To dowload the registration form, go to "frequently used forms."

 
Questions?
If you have further questions, please contact the Director of Liturgy and Music, Wm. Jefferson Bush at the parish office or speak to the Liturgy Coordinator at any weekend Mass. Our parish priests will be able to direct you to the proper person.

Baptism Preparation for Adults

Non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments of Initiation are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process.

Adults seeking to enter the Church through Baptism generally receive the Sacrament during the Great Vigil of Easter.

For more information on Sacramental Preparation for Adults, contact our Director of Faith Formation, Miranda James at 404-636-1418. Ext 223 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it