How Do I Have My Child Baptized?

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.

Are there any requirements in order to have my child baptized at Our Lady of Grace?
Parents/Guardians are required to be a registered parishioner of Our Lady of Grace or have a personal connection with a registered parishioner (i.e. grandparents are members of the parish). In the latter case, a letter must be received from the parents/guardians' own parish granting permission for the baptism and indicating that they are registered and have participated in a baptism preparation/Pre-Jordan class. Parents/Guardians who are registered parishioners of Our Lady of Grace must also participate in a Pre-Jordan class.

Is there a cost to have my child baptized?
The Church does not charge a fee for sacraments. If however you wish to give the parish a donation, $50.00 is suggested.

Who can be a godparent?
Church law requires that there is at least one godparent for the child baptized. Here are the requirements for a godparent:

• Must be an active, practicing, and fully initiated Catholic (in other words, the person has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist).
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• If the person is married, he or she has had to have been married in the Church or with the Church’s blessing.
• Godparents must obtain a Letter of Eligibility from their parish. This letter shows that you meet all of the requirements needed to be a godparent.
  • If you are a potential godparent that is a registered parishioner of Our Lady of Grace, you may print and fill out the required Letter of Eligibility, sign it, and take/mail it to the IHM Center (338 Hulmeville Ave., Penndel, PA 19047) for Monsignor Prior to approve and then forward to the Office of Religious Education.

Can a non-Catholic be a godparent?
No, only a Catholic can be a godparent because they are asked to promise to help support raising the child in the Catholic faith. A non-Catholic baptized Christian can serve as official “Christian Witness” to the baptism as long as there is one Catholic godparent. A non-baptized person cannot be a godparent or witness.

What if the godparents can’t come to the actual celebration?
You can have a proxy stand in for the godparent(s). Please let the staff know so they can record the name of the actual sponsor on the certificate.

When are Pre-Jordan Classes at Our Lady of Grace?
Pre-Jordan Classes take place on the First Sunday of each month beginning at 1:00 PM in the Lourdes Room, located in the main entrance of the church (225 Bellevue Ave., Penndel, PA 19047).

When are baptisms at Our Lady of Grace?
Baptisms take place on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month beginning at 1:00 PM in the church (please try to be in the church by 12:50 PM).

May I take pictures?
Pictures are allowed, but please be respectful during the Sacrament.

Please contact:
Christine Flack, Director of Religious Education
300 Hulmeville Avenue
Penndel, PA 19047
Phone: (215)-757-5530
Email: dre@olg1.org

• Printable Baptismal Packet  (Please contact the Office of Religious Education at (215)-757-5530 before selecting a date to verify availability.)
• Baptism Schedule 2020
• If you are an ADULT who is interested in being baptized, please visit our RCIA page.