We are delighted you are considering baptizing your child at Holy Name of Jesus.

We hope this will be the first of many sacraments received here by your child.

We celebrate Baptisms for children under 7 years old. Children ages 7 and older are invited to prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism through our Faith Formation program. If you are an unbaptized adult, please ask about our RCIA program.

What do I have to do to have my child baptized?

Before we can schedule a date for your child to be baptized, please gather the following documents and complete the required paperwork below.

1. You must be an active and registered parishioner before you can submit an application to baptize a child.

   If you are not already registered in the parish, we strongly recommend you register as soon as possible. The baptismal process — registration, preparation class, document preparation, and date selection — takes approximately 3 months to complete if you are newly registered.

   CLICK HERE TO → JOIN OUR FAITH FAMILY HERE

2. Please provide a copy of the child’s official Birth Certificate.

3. Parents are responsible for selecting Godparents. We recommend two Godparents for your child. Please provide the name, address, phone number, and church of each Godparent.

4. Both parents and Godparents are asked to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class.

Baptismal Preparation Class

English classes are held in Room 3 in our school building, accessible through the north side exterior double doors adjacent to the small north parking lot.

Spanish classes are held in Sr. Regina’s Conference Room/Chapel. Please park in the small north lot of the school building and follow the walkway west until you see the signs for the Conference Room.

Baptismal Class Schedule

• Saturday, June 7, 2025
• Saturday, August 2, 2025
• Saturday, October 4, 2025
• Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Saturday, February 7, 2026
• Saturday, April 4, 2026
• Saturday, June 6, 2026
• Saturday, August 1, 2026
• Saturday, October 3, 2026

To register for a class, please email faithformation@myhnj.org with the following information:

• Full name of the child being baptized
• Full name of mother and father
• Full name of Godparent(s)
• Date of class you are requesting
• English or Spanish class selection

Once we receive your email, we will confirm your reservation to attend the Baptismal Preparation Class.

Important

Baptism dates are scheduled after ALL required documents are completed and the Baptismal Preparation Class is complete.

We will not accept baptismal forms and/or documents that are incomplete.

There is a suggested donation of $100.00 for a Baptism.

Baptism gift sets are sold in the church office and gift shop for $25.00. They include a baptismal candle, rosary, first Bible, baptismal shell, and handkerchief.

Baptism Registration Form

Reminder: The online Baptism Registration Form will not be accepted without ALL requirements completed.

Godparent Information

The role of the Godparent is to be a Christian role model for the child. He or she should be a mature Christian who is willing to walk with the child on his or her faith journey.

In order to be a Godparent, a person must meet the following requirements:

• Godparents cannot be the parents of the child.
• Godparents must be fully initiated in the Catholic Church: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
• Godparents must be over the age of 16.
• If married, Godparents must be married in the Catholic Church.
• Godparents must profess and believe what the Catholic Church teaches.
• Godparents must be registered in a Catholic Church.
• If not registered at Holy Name, a certificate from their parish is required stating they are eligible to be a Godparent.
• Godparents are required to attend a Baptismal Class.

FAQ’s

What if I am a single parent?
Both parents are encouraged to attend the Baptismal Class; however, only the primary custodian needs to attend.

What if I am the legal guardian and not the parent on the birth certificate?
Yes, you may still baptize the child. Please provide legal guardianship papers prior to scheduling the Baptism for review.

Can I baptize my child here if I am coming from another parish or out of state?
Yes. We need a letter from your parish allowing us to baptize the child and confirming you have completed the necessary preparation classes.

What if I can’t find two Catholic Godparents?
Please contact us so we can help you resolve this.

What if I already took the Baptismal Class?
If you took the Baptismal Class at Holy Name within the last three years, there is no need to retake it. If you took the class elsewhere within the last three years, please provide documentation.

“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the Godparents, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized child or adult on the road of Christian life.”