Baptism

Congratulations on your newest addition! We're so glad that you're here!

Just as there is much to do in preparing for the physical birth and growth of your child, there is also a beautiful preparation for their spiritual life. Through Baptism, your child is welcomed into the family of God, freed from original sin, and filled with the grace of Christ. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:



"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 children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission."


(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)


This first sacrament lays the foundation for your child's lifelong relationship with God and prepares them to receive the other sacraments as they grow in faith. By presenting your child for Baptism, you are making a commitment to raise them in the Catholic faith, helping them come to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.


The Catholic Church has long encouraged the baptism of infants. For parents who may be new to the Catholic faith or come from a different Christian tradition, this practice can raise questions. We invite you to explore the meaning of Baptism and discover why the Church treasures this sacrament as one of God's greatest gifts to our children. This video from Fr Mike Schmitz provides a great explanation for this tradition.



Requesting a Baptism Certificate

Need a copy of your baptism certificate? The Faith Formation Office will be happy to assist you. Please provide the following information when making your request:


  • Full name
  • Parents' names
  • Date of baptism (if known)
  • Date of birth
  • Your mailing address, or the mailing address of the parish requesting the certificate



Providing complete information will help us process your request in a timely manner.

Preparing for Your Child's Baptism

We encourage families to begin the baptism preparation process before their child is born whenever possible.


If your child is in second Grade or above, there are more steps involved than those listed below. Please contact Maria Holiday at 913-722-2206 or mholiday@queenoftheholyrosary.org to begin that process. 


Step 1: Attend a Baptism Preparation Class

First-time parents, or parents who have not attended a baptism preparation class within the last five years, are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class before scheduling their child's baptism.

Classes are held on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

Both parents are required to attend. Godparents are encouraged to participate, and children are welcome.

To register for a class, please contact the Faith Formation Office at faithformation@queenoftheholyrosary.org



Step 2: Schedule the Baptism

After completing the Baptism Preparation Class, a member of the Faith Formation Office will contact you to schedule your child's baptism.

Baptisms are typically celebrated on the first and third Sundays of each month following the 11:00 a.m. Mass.



Step 3: Complete the Baptism Information Form

Once your baptism date has been scheduled, you will receive a link to the Baptism Information Form. This form collects the information needed to complete the sacramental records and prepare for the celebration of Baptism.



Step 4: Submit Godparent Forms

Each Godparent is asked to complete the Godparent Eligibility Form and return it to the Faith Formation Office no later than 30 days before the baptism. The Godparent Eligibility form can be found here. The Christian Witness form can be found here.


Completed forms may be mailed to the Parish Office:


Queen of the Holy Rosary

Attn: Faith Formation Office

7023 W. 71st Street

Overland Park, KS 66204


Choosing Godparents

Parents are the primary teachers of their children in the Catholic faith. Through Baptism, they accept the responsibility of helping their child grow in a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

The Church teaches that parents are to "bring the child up in the practice of the faith and see that the divine life which God gives them is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in their hearts" (Rite of Baptism for Children).


Godparents are chosen to support parents in this important mission. The Catechism explains that a godparent should be someone who is "able and ready to help the newly baptized on the road of Christian life" (CCC 1255). Godparents are called to be faithful Catholic role models who encourage and support the child's spiritual growth throughout life.


If two godparents are chosen, there should be one man and one woman. At least one of your chosen Godparents must be an active Catholic. The other may be a Christian witness to your child’s Baptism.


Requirements for Godparents


To serve as a Godparent, a person must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • Be a fully initiated Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
  • Be living a life consistent with the Catholic faith and the responsibilities of a godparent.

 

To serve as a Christian witness to your child’s Baptism, a person must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • Be an active member of their own church community.
  • Be living a life consistent with the Christian faith and the responsibilities of a godparent.