Baptism

"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."Matthew 28:19-20

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213).

Infants and children under 7

Congratulations! We're happy that God has blessed your family with new life. As Christian parents you care for your child's spiritual needs by presenting him or her for baptism, the foundational sacrament of Christian life.

Parents should be registered, active members of St. Ignatius for six months before baptism preparation begins. Register here.

1. Take the preparation class

Parents and godparents attend a baptism preparation class before a date is set. Classes are held in Brady Hall, the church basement. Call the parish office for upcoming class dates. A class taken at another Catholic parish within the past four months also counts; bring a letter or certificate showing you attended.

2. Return the forms

Fill out the Baptism Information Form, and have each godparent complete the Godparent/Sponsor Eligibility Form. Godparents send their forms to the parish as an original copy, signed and sealed by their own parish.

3. Schedule the date

Once the class and forms are complete, call the parish office at 303-322-8042 to set a date. Baptisms are usually on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., after the 10:00 a.m. Mass, with one family per date. We're happy to work with you within the parish calendar.

Children 7 to 17

Children who have reached the age of reason are prepared through the Order of Christian Initiation adapted for children and teens (OCIT), and receive Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion together. Contact Br. Michael Paul at family@loyoladenver.org.

Adults

Adults are baptized through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), and receive Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion at the Easter Vigil. See Becoming Catholic, or contact Br. Michael Paul at family@loyoladenver.org.

Questions

Can we set a date before the class and forms are done?

Unfortunately, no. We need the class and forms complete before we can schedule. If you run into trouble, call us; we're happy to help with unusual circumstances.

Who can be a godparent?

At least one godparent must be a Catholic, 16 or older, who has been confirmed, has received the Eucharist and lives a life of faith; not the child's parent. There may be one or two godparents; if two, one man and one woman. A baptized Christian who is not Catholic may stand as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent.

How long is the ceremony? Is it a full Mass?

Baptism is celebrated on its own, not as a full Mass. Plan on about 45 minutes.

Anything else we should know?

A key part of the rite is the parents' promise to raise the child in the Catholic faith. If parents cannot make this promise, the baptism should be delayed; a conversation with a priest can help.