Saint Luke Parish

Welcome
We are excited to welcome you for the celebration of Baptism for your child. The first step is to download the Baptism Registration Form from the link above, fill it out completely, and then bring it to the parish office or email it to our Parish Secretary Ellen Michonski at [email protected] (Mon-Thur., 8:30 am - 2:00 pm).

If necessary, you will need to meet with Fr. Michael in person so he can get to know you through a personal conversation and address any questions you may have.

The parish will be providing a baptismal bib and a candle for your child's baptism. As part of our tradition, we kindly ask you to make a free-will offering in appreciation of these items.

If you need more information, please contact Catherine Bush at (908) 295 2944 or [email protected]. Catherine has many years of experience as a Catholic mom and grandma and will be happy to guide you through this special time.

Baptismal Class
New parents who are having their first child baptized are required to attend a class before the baptism. The class will help them to understand the meaning of the sacrament and their role in raising their child in the Catholic faith. Classes are scheduled on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 am in the Marian Room. Please contact the parish office to schedule your baptism and baptism class.

Sacrament of Baptism
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays after the 11 AM Mass throughout the year, except on the first Sunday of the month due to Special Needs Ministry events. The exact time will be determined by the parish office.

A Godparent is to be:
- A man and a woman: Godparents must be a man and a woman, at least sixteen years of age, and have received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation in the Catholic Church (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist). At least one of the godparents must be a fully initiated Catholic.
- A practicing Catholic living a Christian lifestyle: This specifically includes weekly participation in Mass, daily prayer, regular reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, obedience to moral law, and acceptance of the teachings of Christ and His Church.
- Willing to support the child's faith: A godparent’s role is to help guide the child in their Catholic faith, offering spiritual support and encouragement.
- Able to provide a Letter of Eligibility if not a St. Luke parishioner: Both godparents, if not registered parishioners of St. Luke, must obtain a Letter of Eligibility from their respective parishes. This letter, confirming that they are members in good standing and competent to act as godparents/sponsors, must be submitted by mail or delivered to the parish at least two weeks before the baptism.

Can a non-Catholic be a Godparent?
A non-Catholic cannot be a godparent in the Catholic Church. However, a baptized non-Catholic Christian can serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent. A Christian witness is a baptized non-Catholic Christian who can participate in a Catholic baptism but does not fulfill the role of a godparent. The Christian witness must: Be baptized in a Christian denomination that recognizes the Trinity (e.g., Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, etc.). Live a Christian life and be willing to support the child’s faith journey. Participate alongside a Catholic godparent - a Christian witness cannot replace the required Catholic godparent. This means that at least one Catholic godparent is required, and you may have only one Christian witness in addition to the Catholic godparent for a valid baptism of your child.

Can a non-baptized person be a Godparent or a Christian Witness?
Non-baptized persons cannot act as a Godparent or a Witness to a baptism of a child in the Catholic faith. The role of a godparent is to help the child grow in their faith, and a non-baptized person cannot fulfill this role because they have not received the sacraments of initiation themselves.  
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OCIA Program: Adults Baptisms
Through the program, the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation are received. To enter the program, contact the Parish Office at (908) 876 3515. The OCIA Program begins in September.