Baptism is the first important step that a parent can take to begin the lifelong process of faith formation for their child. When a child is baptized they receive the light of Christ’s love and are welcomed into the faith community. At the same time, the parents are making a commitment to raise their child in the Catholic faith.
Parents interested in having a child baptized are required to attend a Baptism Preparation session. These sessions focus on the background of the sacrament, theology of Baptism and how to foster Christian values throughout the life of your child.
All parishioners who are bringing a child to the parish for baptism are required to participate in a Baptism Preparation Formation Session. The session is designed for new parents, for those baptizing their first child here at St. William’s or for those that have not attended a session in more than 4 years. Deacon Scott and Cindy Bergland, Director of Adult and Family ministry will facilitate the session. Session time is 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is held in the Parish Conference Room or Parish Hall depending on the size of the group.
To register for the session, please call the parish office at 547-2763 ext. 201.
Sessions for 2011-2012 are as follows:
August 4
September 14
November 9
January 11
February 8
April 18
May 10th, our last session before summer. There are no sessions held in June or July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to participate in baptism orientation?
All parents are invited and encouraged to participate in the session. First time parents; parents who have not had a child baptized at St. William or if you have not had a child baptized in the past five years need to attend. God parents are welcome to attend, but it is not a requirement.
How do I schedule my child's baptism?
Baptisms are held the second and fourth Sunday of the month at noon. We attempt to limit the number of babies baptized to about five at one time. You could also arrange to have your baby baptized on the first Sunday of the month during Mass. To schedule your child's baptism please contact Laura Fraley at 547-2763 ext. 202. Private baptisms are only scheduled under extreme circumstances.
Who can be a godparent?
The role of the Sponsor or Godparent is to present the child to the community for baptism and to assist the parents in fostering Christian values and spirituality in the life of the child. Since sponsors are called to help the baptized lead a fully Christian life, they themselves must be good examples of living a Christian lifestyle. To be a sponsor one must be at least 16 years of age, a fully initiated Catholic through reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. They also must be actively living their faith through regular Mass attendance, a commitment to prayer, service, ongoing faith development and belong to a faith community. Parents may choose a second godparent. A person who is not Catholic or not fully initiated may serve as a Christian witness.
Do I need to provide a Baptismal Garment?
During the explanatory rite each child is given a white garment as an outward sign of their new life in Christ. Since the garment presented to child during the baptism is mostly symbolic, most parents dress their babies in a white garment but it is not a requirement.
If you have other questions about the Baptism of your baby please contact Cindy Bergland at (262) 547-2763 ext. 213 or email us at,
Cindy Bergland, Director of Adult & Family Ministry
Mary Thiel, Associate of Adult & Family Ministry