Baptism
“Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” -Matthew 28:19
Baptism in the Church
Jesus was baptized and taught his Apostles to do likewise. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God. We become members of the Body of Christ as we are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. We can’t wait to welcome your child into the life of Christ and our Church through Baptism. To get started, please fill out the baptism inquiry form and our team will reach out to you.
Celebrating Baptism in the AMS
FAQs for Parents
How do I register for baptism?
You will need to fill out a baptism inquiry form above. You will be contacted with information regarding our baptism preparation program and scheduling your child’s baptism.
Are there requirements for the parents?
An infant may be baptized if at least one parent (or lawful substitute) is Catholic and consents and there is a well-founded hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In the absence of this hope the Baptism should be deferred (c. 868 §1).
Parents must participate in our baptism preparation program, regardless of having a child previously baptized.
Once parents have completed that baptism preparation program you will be able to schedule the baptism date.
Do parents need to be members of the JBLM Catholic Community?
You do not need to be a member of the JBLM Catholic Community. But at least one parent (or lawful substitute) must be Subjects of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Those who are not subjects of the AMS, even if they have regular access to military chapels, require the written permission of the civilian pastor of the parish where they reside to participate in the preparation process at the installation. Agreement of the priest at the installation must also be sought before the preparation process commences.
No special permission is needed for priest-chaplains to baptize Eastern Rite Catholics who are subjects of the AMS. The proper Rite of Ascription should be noted on the Sacramental Record (PM 2.3.3).
When are Baptisms held?
Baptism are usually held the 4th Sunday of each month during the 12 noon mass. Scheduling outside of this time requires the priests permission.
Can we have our own priest perform the baptism?
Yes. When you fill out the baptism inquiry please advise that is what you want to do.
We want to baptize our baby back home, what is needed?
When you fill out the baptism inquiry please advise that is what you want to do. The priest will prepare a letter you can submit to the parish where the baptism will take place indicating you are AMS subjects, you have permission, and you have compleated a baptism class.
FAQ for Godparents
Are there requirements for the godparents?
Yes. Must be a Catholic who is confirmed, has received First Eucharist and lives in harmony according to the role of godparent. If not a member of the local community the godparent must present a sponsor letter from their parish prior to the baptism. Cannot be the father or mother of the person to be baptized.
How old can a Godparent be?
All godparents must be 16 years of age or older.
Can there be more than 2 godparents?
No, there can only be 2 official godparents. Godparents are a godmother and godfather. There cannot be two godmothers or two godfathers. A family can also just have one godparent.
What if a godparent is out of town and cannot make the baptism?
If godparents cannot be present for the Baptism, proxy godparents may stand in their place. The godparents must accept the responsibility of being the actual godparents. Parents may act as proxies and in unusual circumstances, a non-Catholic may be a proxy.
What if one of the Godparents is not Catholic?
A person belonging to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may only serve as a witness to the Baptism along with a Catholic godparent (c. 874, p. 5, §2).