Welcome and congratulations on your decision to celebrate the Baptism of your child with our parish community!

What a joyous occasion for your family and our entire parish. The Parish community shares in your joy and is privileged to be a part of bringing a new Catholic Christian into the Church.

Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua) and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.

Baptism is the sacrament by which one is enlightened, by the Spirit’s grace, to respond to the Gospel of Christ. This is why the Church believes it is her most basic and necessary duty to welcome, invite, form and inspire all to celebrate Baptism. To accomplish this, the Church provides pastoral means, including preparation, formation, and instruction for all, in infant Baptism namely the parent(s) and godparents, desiring to celebrate Baptism.

Are you an adult who wants to be baptized? Visit our RCIA page to learn more about Baptism for adults.

When are Baptism celebrations scheduled? 

The communal celebrations of English Baptisms are scheduled for the first and third Saturday’s of each month. There are also several Baptism celebrations scheduled for particular Sunday Liturgies throughout the year. Parents choose the date for the celebration of their child’s Baptism during the first parent formation session.

How do I schedule my child’s Baptism?

You must be a registered member of St. Raphael Catholic Church for your child to receive the Sacrament. If you are not registered at the parish, you can register by filling out our parish registration form now or when you register for Baptism Preparation sessions.

If your marriage isn't recognized by the Catholic Church, at least one parent must give consent for the Baptism. If you would like to have your marriage convalidated by the Catholic Church, contact Fr. Bruce Bavinger at 919-865-5747.

To schedule your child’s Baptism, you must complete the following steps:

• Register for Baptism Prep sessions
• Provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate. This may be turned in to the parish office or brought to the first preparation session.
• Submit the $30.00 Baptism preparation fee which covers all material associated with the Baptism sessions and celebration and additional recourses. This may be mailed/brought to the parish office or the first preparation session.

What does the Baptism preparation process involve? 

Our Baptism preparation and celebration have an intentional focus on the lifelong faith formation of parents and godparents. You must attend two Baptism preparation sessions and choose at least one Godparent before your child can receive the Sacrament. Each preparation session lasts about two hours and includes faith sharing and formation, catechesis of the Sacrament, an opportunity to review the logistics of the Baptism, and some practical suggestions for creating a Catholic home. Godparents are welcome to join these sessions.