Before we begin, we would like to congratulate you on the birth of your child, and also thank you for the desire to raise them in the faith.  Baptism is such an important sacrament that formally welcomes your child into God's family.  For your child baptism begins them on the important journey of faith.   As the primary educators of your child we look forward to assisting you not only in your child's journey but also with the continuation of yours.  Please click the links on the left for more information.  Again thank you and please know you are in our prayers!  

Canon 849 of the Code of Canon Law points out that men and women through baptism "are freed from sin, are reborn as children of God, and configured configured to Christ by an indelible character, are incorporated into the Church."



Even though Jesus was the Son of God His baptism in the Jordon by John the Baptist was important.  "After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove coming upon him.  And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son,^* with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:16 - 17).  In order to show the importance of Baptism our Lord Jesus Himself needed to be baptized.  His baptism offers us a revelation not just to show the necessity of baptism, but also to show that at every baptism it is revealed that we too are God's beloved children.  

Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism is important.  It is important so that parents understand the important role they play in their child's ongoing faith formation.  It is important to understand while the events of the day are brief, the formation process lasts a lifestime and as the primary educators of their children, parents must be able pass on and explain the symbols and traditions. 

To register for pre-baptism formation please contact the parish office at (717) 624-4121 or if you fill out the baptism registeration form.

Guidelines for Godparents

In deciding on a Godparent, parents have a serious responsibility to choose well; it is a decision requiring much thought, prayer and discussion. When parents have decided, it is appropriate that you tell the Godparent-to-be what led you to your decision. There is a great honor involved, but also a great responsibility. You are looking for:

1.  A mature member of the Catholic Church at least 16 years of age.
2.  A Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and attends Mass on a regular basis and receives the Eucharist frequently (monthly).
3.  If married, a person who is validly married according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
4.  A person who can share with you the task of handing on the Catholic Faith.
5.  And as well, you may choose a baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic community only in company with a Catholic sponsor, then only to act as a witness to the baptism – not a Godparent.
 

Catholic Godparents from outside of Immaculate Conception Church must get a sponsor letter from the parish in which they are registered.  This must be in the office one week prior to the Baptism.

Congratulations on being asked to be a godparent.  It is a tremendous honor and comes with a great responsibility.  If you are a parishioner attending a baptism here at the parish there is no need to have a form.  We do ask that you either call the parish office or fill out the form below to attest that you are attending Mass regularly.  If the baptism is outside the parish, please provide us the parish information of where the baptism is taking place so that we can send it out. 

Please note, if you are not attending Mass regularly or not married validly in the Church, we invite you to call and set up an appointment with Father.   This meeting is an invitational meeting to invite the one asked to be a godparent to recommit to their faith.  While it might not be possible for you to be listed as the official godparent (more likely for marriage issues) in time for the baptism, we would like to work with you to help you reenter the practice of the faith so that you can be a godparent in the future, but also help you to serve as a spiritual role model for the baptized child as they continue to grow.