Baptism

Baptism is the first of the three sacraments by which one becomes a member of the Church and a new creature of Christ. The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church were instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church to make the love of God real and present in the world. Parents wishing to make arrangements for baptizing their children should call Veronica Lavenberg,  at 443-981-3187 ext. 111 or email [email protected]

Expecting parents are encouraged to contact the office before the birth of their child. Parents are required to participate in a Baptism preparation class before the baptism is celebrated. Godparents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the preparation class with the parents.

Baptisms are celebrated on the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. as well as on the first Sunday of the month at the 11:00 a.m. during Mass.

Adults interested in becoming Catholic should call Barbara Austin, Director of Evangelization at 443-981-3187 ext. 113 or by email at [email protected]

FAQ Sheet on Baptism
 1. Do I have to be married to the other parent of the child to get my child baptized?
No, the parents do not have to be married to have their child baptized.

2. When I bring my child to get baptized do I have to have all my own sacraments completed?
Parents of the child getting baptized do not have to have all their sacraments. However, we would encourage you to consider completing your own sacramental initiation into the Church so that you can best model the practice of the faith to your child and fully share in the sacramental life of the Church with your child.

3. If my husband and I were married outside the Church at a civil ceremony, can we still have our child baptized?
Parents married in a civil ceremony may still have their child baptized. We would like to help you have your marriage recognized by the Church. This way you can model full sacramental participation in the life of the Church to your child. Civil marriages can be brought into sacramentality through a process called "convalidation." Our pastor or deacon would be happy to help you with this process. Please see this link: https://saintmarkfallston.org/convalidation

4. Why do I need a "practicing" Catholic Godparent?
A child being baptized needs a practicing Catholic Godparent to serve as a sponsor for the child by modeling and encouragement into the full sacramental life of the Church, and assists the parents to raise the child in this sacramental life.

5. What does "practicing" mean?
"Practicing" means that the Godparent is over 16 years old and has received all three sacraments of initiation which include: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist in the Catholic faith. In addition, if they are married, their marriage is recognized by the Church. If unmarried, they are not cohabiting with any individual. Minimally, they should also be attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

6. How many Godparents do I need for my child's baptism?
The Church requests each child to have 2 Godparents: one Godmother and one Godfather. The Church only requires one practicing Catholic Godparent if two practicing Catholic Godparents are not available.

7. What if I don't have two qualified Catholic Godparents? Can a Christian Witness fulfill this role?
Christians of other denominations may serve as a Christian Witness for your child's baptism. He or she should be a regular participant in the life of their church. You may choose one Godparent and one Christian Witness for your child. If you are having trouble finding any qualified Godparents to serve please let us know and we will connect you with a member of our parish who would be happy to serve this role.

8. Why is baptism so important?
Baptism is the "gateway" to the sacramental life of the Church. It claims us for Jesus Christ and initiates the life of grace in our souls. It is the beginning of our life of faith and serves as a new birthday for us as we are made a new creation in Christ by our baptism.

9. Can I just wait and let my child decide what faith they want?
Children need to know where they come from and what they believe. They need the strong moral and spiritural guidance that comes from the Catholic Christian faith. Of course as they grow up they will go on their own spiritual journey and must learn to appropriate the faith as their own, but baptizng them and rearing them in the Catholic faith will give them a strong foundation on which to build their lives.

10. What is my role in my child's baptism? 
Parents are the first teachers of the faith to their children. Your chlid will learn what the faith is and how important it is by your modeling and explanation. The parish stands ready to assist you in this responsibility. Please contact our office for opportunities for family formation.

11. Does my child need special attire?
Many families still abide by the tradition of clothing their child in a white baptismal gown. Some families pass this on from the previous generation. It is not necessary to go to great expense for their baptism.

12. Can I have my whole family at the baptismal font?
There is limited room around the baptismal font in the Church. However, each priest and deacon would be happy to work with your family and those who play an important role in your child's faith lfe.

13. What should I be prepared for at my child's baptism?
Baptisms are always unpredictable! Sometimes children sleep through the whole ceremony, sometimes they cry during the whole ceremony. It is always a joyous occassion! Make sure your child is fed and rested before coming to Church. Baptisms may last up to 30 minutes depending upon how many children are present. A baptism at Mass can last up to 60 plus minutes.