The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More News:

Baptism

Guidelines for Baptism

Through the grace of Baptism, we become God the Father’s sons and daughters in Christ.  We are delighted to welcome the youngest members of your family into the Body of Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism!

Baptisms for infants usually take place the once a month on Saturday, see schedule to the left. If your child has reached the use of reason (usually around 6 or 7) and is under the age of 18, please contact the Director of Religious Education, Mr. Benjamin Paczak at 703-525-1300 for baptism information. If you are an adult seeking baptism, please see our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), contact Fr. Nicholas Barnes at 703-525-1300.

Baptism Registration

Please complete the Baptism Registration form to register your child for baptism.  Once completed, you can mail, email or drop off the form to the parish office.  A member of the parish staff will contact you upon receiving your submission.

Baptism Form

Please note: You must be a parishioner to schedule the baptism of your child at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

Baptism Preparation Class

The baptism preparation class is offered monthly, see schedule to the left.  Once you have completed the Registration form the office will contact you to register for this class.  Both parents are required to attend this class at least three months prior to the baby’s due date.  This session is designed to help you explore what being a Catholic Christian parent will mean for you and your family, what your child gains by being baptized and what you need to know when the big day comes.   Godparents are encouraged to come but are not required.

God Parent (Sponsor) Information

A Godparent assists a child’s parents in caring for the spiritual well-being and growth of that child for the rest of his or her life.

A sponsor (godparent) must have completed his or her 16th year (an exception can be made by the pastor for a just cause).

A sponsor must be a Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation.  This person must also be practicing the Catholic faith.

If married, a sponsor must be married in the Catholic Church. If single, a sponsor must not be cohabiting.

The Baptism will be scheduled once the sponsors must submit a letter of eligibility from his or her parish indicating that he or she meets the above requirements. Parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More should contact the parish office for this letter.

Additional Considerations

Only one Catholic sponsor is required.  If you would like to have two sponsors, one must be male and the other must be female (i.e. there cannot be two males or two females).

Parents of the child being baptized cannot be the child’s sponsor.  Grandparents or other family members may serve in this role.

A baptized, practicing non-Catholic Christian may not be a sponsor but may participate as a Christian witness.    A Catholic (or former Catholic) who is not practicing his or her faith cannot participate as a Christian witness or sponsor.

The godparent does not have to be present at the baptism.  A proxy may stand in his or her place.  However, the proxy must be Catholic and meet the same requirements as a sponsor and provide a letter of eligibility.

If you have questions about the suitability of someone to serve as a sponsor, please speak with one of the priests as soon as possible.