Sacraments

Infant Baptism Policy

The Sacrament of Baptism, the first of the three sacraments of initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. It removes the guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.

Information and Procedures

1. Register in the Parish: Parents of the child to be baptized should register as members of the St. Jude Parish or at their other parish for at least three (3) months prior to initiating the process for baptism.
2. Contact the Church Office by phone (+1 (561) 392-8172).
3. Required Documentation for Baptism: The following items are required to be submitted to the Church Office prior to the baptism being scheduled:

• A baptism will not be scheduled until all documents are submitted to the Parish Office.
• A completed Baptismal Registration Form (link to form).
• A letter from a parish (other than St. Jude) stating that godparents are confirmed, active/registered members of that community (for at least three (3) months).
• A copy of the baby’s birth certificate.

In addition, both parents must attend and participate in the Baptismal Preparation Class.  St. Jude Baptism classes are normally held the first Wednesday of the month in English.  They are also offered at other local churches throughout the month. If the parents take the class at any church other than St. Jude, they must provide proof of attendance either in a certificate of attendance or a letter from that church's pastor.  If the parents have taken Baptismal Preparation Classes within the past two years, this requirement is waived. Please note: If you choose to attend a class at St. Jude, you must register for the desired class.

Selecting Godparents

The Church requests two godparents. Godparents play a very important role in your child’s spiritual life. They should serve as role models of the faith. The child should be able to look to their godparent as an example of how the church teaches us to live our Catholic faith. They should support not only the child but the parents as well. Additionally, in their role as godparent, they represent the larger Church community. The St. Jude Parish strictly adheres to Canon Law and Diocesan policies in all aspects of baptism.

Godparents are expected to:

• Present the infant child for baptism.
• Be active stewards regarding the continuing faith journey of the child.
• Assist in guiding the child in the Catholic faith.

To be admitted to the role of godparent, a person must:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Be a practicing Catholic who participates in the Eucharistic celebration on Sundays (e.g., attends Mass regularly, is in good sacramental standing, and is able to receive Holy Communion).
• Be a fully initiated Catholic (e.g., someone who has been baptized, confirmed, and received First Communion in the Catholic Church), who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.
• If they are parishioners of a parish other than St. Jude, present a letter (a certificate) from their home parish pastor attesting that they are a practicing Catholic and in good standing.
• Be present for the baptism. If it is impossible to be in attendance, a proxy is acceptable.

Additionally:

• If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female.                                         
• At least one Catholic godparent is required.