The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. It is a sacred and joyous celebration in which a person is cleansed of Original Sin and welcomed into the community of faith—the Body of Christ. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and can only be received once.
                                                  

Baptism Preparation policy at St. Michael Parish
 
We are excited to welcome your child into the family of God through the waters of Baptism! The following are the necessary steps to complete in order to schedule a baptism at St. Michael Parish.  (NOTE: see links to forms on the right. These are also available in the Parish office)

1. Register with the parish if you have not yet done so. (Please note, adult children of parishioners must be registered under their own name).
2. Attend Mass regularly for at least 3 months, using the envelopes or We Share electronic giving.
3. Attend the Baptism class (parents and godparents). This is offered in English and in Spanish once a month on the second Wednesday of the month. Register for the class by calling the parish office: 973-347-0032, ext. 2300 or 2310
4. Godparents: one male and one female (note only one godparent is required), must be confirmed Catholics, currently practicing the faith. Please see the Sponsor form for details. Proof of Confirmation is required.

5. $100 stipend

6. Once all of the required items are complete, a date for baptism may be chosen by contacting the office. Baptism is celebrated at Sunday mass or a private baptism may be scheduled for a Saturday. 

Please know that Father Corona and the parish staff can work with you to resolve any difficulties or special situations.

We look forward to welcoming your child into the Church and supporting your family on this beautiful faith journey!

              A Note on Sponsor Forms vs. Proof of Confirmation or Baptism
 
A Sponsor form: is signed by the pastor of the Church a person is currently registered in.  A sponsor must be an actively practicing Catholic (i.e. attends Mass regularly, receives communion, etc. Please see the Sponsor Form for additional guidelines). The Sponsor form allows the Pastor to attest to this.
 
Proof of Baptism/Confirmation form: this can be completed for anyone who received these Sacraments at St. Michael, but it is not a Sponsor form.
 
Fr. Corona can only sign a Sponsor form for a registered parishioner who is actively practicing the Catholic Faith here at St. Michael Parish.
Please know that receiving the Sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation or celebrating First Communion at St. Michael parish does not qualify someone as a parishioner or practicing Catholic.   
 
Also, upon reaching the age of 21, a young person who wishes to be considered part of the parish must register as a parishioner (separate from their family) in the parish office.