Baptism
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It’s a joy to walk alongside your family as your child grows in faith, friendship, and a deeper relationship with God.
The Sacrament of Baptism is the “doorway to Christian life.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, the Sacrament of Baptism: 1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 4 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.”Baptism is a beautiful first step in the Catholic faith and the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Jesus and His Church. We’re honored to celebrate this joyful moment with you and your family.
If you’ve recently welcomed a new child, or if you or a loved one are interested in receiving the sacrament of Baptism, we would love to help you prepare for this special day. Please contact the parish office at 920-261-7273 for more information and scheduling.
Families who have not celebrated a baptism in English at our parish within the past five years will be invited to attend a Baptism Preparation Course. These sessions are offered in both English and Spanish and are designed to help families feel informed, supported, and connected.
English baptisms are celebrated on the second and third Sundays of each month, depending on the church location, and currently take place after Mass. Spanish baptisms are also available. We look forward to walking with your family as you begin this faith journey together.
Our Parish Baptism schedule is:
Second week of the month:
8:00 a.m. – St. Bernard, Watertown
8:00 a.m. – St. Mary Magdalene, Johnson Creek
Third week of the month:
10:00 a.m. – St. Bernard, Watertown
10:30 a.m. – St. Francis Xavier, Lake Mills
Please contact the Parish office for the Baptism in Spanish requirements and schedule.
Godparents play a special and meaningful role in the Sacrament of Baptism and in supporting your child's faith journey as they grow. Per Canon Law, at least one godparent must be baptized, confirmed, and practicing Roman Catholic. If you choose to have two godparents for you child, Canon Law states that one godparent must be male and the other must be female. You cannot have two godparents of the same sex.
If you are over age 16 and older and would like to have the Sacrament of Baptism or interested in becoming Catholic, we invite you to learn more through our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. OCIA is a welcoming process for adults who are exploring the Catholic faith and preparing to receive the sacraments.
For more information about OCIA classes please contact Mrs. VanLoenen, our OCIA facilitator, at the parish office at: 920-261-7273, or by email at: [email protected]. OCIA classes begin in the fall and lead up to the celebration of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.