Procedures for Baptism

Below you will find the guidelines for Baptisms here at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church (SJA). These guidelines are the same for any child that is preparing for baptism.

The family requesting the baptism must be an “active” family from Saint Jude. An “active” family is defined as one of the following:
  • One that has been registered in Saint Jude Parish for at least 3 months and attends Mass on a regular basis.
  • Has not registered, but has been attending Mass at Saint Jude on a regular basis and is known to be attending Mass by a priest assigned to Saint Jude parish. The family must get consent form from the priest prior to attending the baptismal preparation class or scheduling the baptism.
  • Has recently moved within the geography of Saint Jude and has registered at Saint Jude and is attending Mass on a regular basis.


    • If the family requesting baptism is not an “active” family then they MUST get the written permission of the Pastor of the parish where the child (or family) currently live.

    If a family member (i.e. grandparent or relative) is an “active” family at Saint Jude then you are allowed to have the child baptized at Saint Jude as long as there is a letter from the pastor where the child lives authorizing them to be baptized at Saint Jude.

    All parents are required to take a baptismal preparation class that is held here at Saint Jude the Apostle prior to the child’s baptism. If it has been more than two years since the parents have attended the baptismal preparation class, they must attend the class again.

    The child must have at least one sponsor (Godparent) that is a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. Canon Law specifically defines the requirements for the sponsor (Godparent) for baptism in canons 872 to 874 and they include:
  • Sponsors must be at least 16 years of age
  • If the sponsor is married, it must be a valid sacramental marriage
  • The sponsor can not be the Father or Mother of the person being baptized

    • Each child being baptized must have a completed Saint Jude Baptismal Information form, along with all necessary documentation turned into the Saint Jude office at least four (4) days before the actual baptism date.

    The baptism can take place on the Sundays of all regularly scheduled group baptisms after the class has been attended and paperwork has been turned in, or an individual baptism can be scheduled by calling the parish office.

    Click here for the Baptism Schedule

    Please contact Jean Foster at 770 394-3896 for information.
    Please complete the form below and turn into the parish office for processing.

    Sponsor Eligibility Form

    Bilingual Baptismal Form