Baptism

"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 sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word. "
-Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 1213


Steps for having your child baptized at St. Mary's Parish:

• Parents (or legal guardians) who have not yet attended our Baptism Preparation Class are to attend this class before they have their child baptized.  This class is held once per month. You can register online today by clicking below:
• REGISTER FOR BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS HERE

• In addition to registering for a baptism class. You will also need to schedule a baptism date by filling out the information on our "Schedule a Baptism" page.
• SCHEDULE YOUR BAPTISMAL DATE HERE

• Be sure to read the information below on the requirements to be a godparent before you select your child's godparent(s).
• If your godparent(s) are not St. Mary's parishioners, please have them print and fill out the Baptismal Sponsor Form found by clicking here.  The completed form can be sent to the parish office (825 E Broadway Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501).

Please call the parish offices at (701) 223-5562 with any questions.  

​​​​​ When is the Sacrament of Baptism celebrated?
Baptisms are typically scheduled the first Saturday of the month (after the 4:30 pm Mass) and the third Sunday of the month (after the 11:00 am Mass).  If circumstances require another date to be selected, please contact the parish office at (701) 223-5562.

What are the requirements to be a Godparent?

• A Catholic who is at least 16 years old (Canon 874, §1, 2º) and has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads an active life of faith.
  • Be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass and receives the Sacraments regularly.
  • Knows, understands and participates in the Catholic Church community.

• If the godparent is married, the marriage must be valid and recognized as a marriage in the Catholic Church. (Canon 874, §1, 3°).

• Only one godfather or one godmother or one of each (Canon 873).

• Only with a Catholic godparent can a baptized, non-Catholic person serve as a Christian Witness of the Baptism (Canon 874, §2).

 

• The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized (Canon 874, §1, 5º).

 

• Godparents are to print, sign and fill out the form in order to verify they meet the above stated requirements.  The form can be found here:
  •  Affidavit to Serve as a Godparent/Baptismal Sponsor

How do I select a Godparent?
Godparents are to help the baptized person lead a Christain life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it (Canon 872).  The best qualification for a Godparent is to be a model of holiness, virtue and faithfulness to Christ and His Church.