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Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the doorway to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ’s mystical body the Church, and participants in her mission. (Cf. CCC #1213).
Please follow this Baptism Checklist for infant baptism (6 years of age and younger):
- Register with St. Matthew and attend Mass each Sunday with us.
- Select your child’s Godparent(s). The role of the godfather and godmother is to be able and ready to help the newly baptized on the road to Christian life in order for the grace of Baptism to unfold. For this reason, they must be firm believers (Cf. CCC #1255). One Godparent is required that meets these requirements:
- Roman Catholic
- Age 16 or older and Confirmed
- Registered with a Catholic Church
- Attends Mass regularly
- Married in the Catholic Church (verified by certificate) or not living with another person in a romantic relationship or as a couple.
- If there are two Godparents, one must be female and the other male.
- Attend a Baptism class (parents of the child and the Godparents need to attend a class). Please call the office at 770-867-4876 for upcoming dates.
- Letter from the Godparent(s) parish(es) of registration stating they meet all the requirements to be Godparent(s).
- Bring Godparent(s) information and a copy of the child’s birth certificate to the parish office to receive Baptism date.
Baptism of adults, 7 years of age and older
From the very day of Pentecost the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism, (Cf. CCC 1226). From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. Certain elements are essential including proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, and the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharistic communion, (Cf. CCC #1229).
Parents of elementary students will work with the Elementary Religious Education Coordinator regarding the faith formation of their child who will receive the three sacraments of initiation. Please click on this link to complete a short form and the Coordinator will contact you. -
Parents of middle and high school students will work with Youth Minister regarding the faith formation of their child who will receive the three sacraments of initiation. Please click on this link to complete a short form and the Youth Minister will contact you.
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Adults aged 18 and older are encouraged to enroll in our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program. Click here to learn more about the program.
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First Communion
Parents of elementary students will work with the Elementary Religious Education Coordinator regarding the faith formation of their baptized child to receive their First Communion. Please click on this link to complete a short form and the Coordinator will contact you.
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Parents of middle and high school students will work with Youth Minister regarding the faith formation of their baptized child to receive their First Communion. Please click on this link to complete a short form and the Youth Minister will contact you.
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