"The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation.  He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them.  Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the responsibility of asking for this sacrament.  The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are..."
                                                                            -Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1257

• Be registered parishioners of St. John Paul II University Parish or present a letter from their pastor giving his permission for the child to be baptized at St. John Paul II
• Provide the following documentation:
  1. The child’s birth certificate
  2. Proof of attendance at a Baptism preparation class in the past 5 years
  3. Proof that the godparent(s) attended a Baptism preparation class in the last 5 years
     • Baptism preparation classes are offered at St. John Paul II University parish on the 2^nd Monday of each month.  Contact the Baptism Coordinator in the Parish Office to sign up
  4. A letter of good standing from the pastor of the Catholic parish attended by each godparent
  5. A current copy (not older than 6 months) of each godparents’ Baptismal Certificate with notations
  6. A completed Baptism Information form (obtained from the Baptism Coordinator)

• There is to be only one male sponsor (godparent) or one female sponsor or one of each.  (cf CIC, can. 873)
• In addition, a godparent must be:
  1. a fully initiated Catholic (baptized, confirmed, received first communion),
  2. at least 16 years old,
  3. leading a sacramental life in harmony with the church. (Cf CIC, can. 874).
  4. If married, the godparent must be validly married in the Catholic Church
  5. The child’s parents cannot act as godparents

• Contact the Director of Religious Education for a family interview.  During the interview, the DRE will inform the parents of the paperwork required.
• Register for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children
  1. This is a two-year program attended by the child and parent(s).  
     • Year 1-Evangelization
     • Year 2-Catechesis in the Catholic faith and Preparation for the Sacraments
  2. Once the child is deemed ready, he or she will be enrolled in the Order of Catechumens and at the Easter Vigil services will be fully initiated into the Catholic faith, receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

Adult
Adults seeking baptism should enroll in the Order of Christian Initiation process.