What is Baptism?

Baptism initiates the person into the faith community of the Catholic Church. We welcome your child to be baptized at St. John Neumann! Whenever we welcome new life, our life as a faith community is enhanced. Parents, Godparents, and community promise to share the joys and challenges of living our Catholic faith.

As a Sacrament of Initiation, Baptism is the first step in our life-long journey of faith. Parents who decide to have their child baptized are also choosing to share their own faith by the example of their words and actions. Baptism, then, makes visible your commitment, and that of the Godparents whom you choose, to the ongoing growth in faith of your child. A faith that is alive and active is “caught” more than it is “taught”.

We hope that this time of preparation and celebration will be an opportunity for you to both reflect on your faith and to renew your commitment to living out your chosen responsibilities. May you understand an address to you in the words of Christ to His disciples: “Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Baptism is celebrated multiple weekends a month on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m..

Requirements for Baptism:

Parents of the child to be baptized need to be registered members of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. If you are not a registered parishioner and would like to register, please click here.

Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class if this is your first child. The Preparation Class is held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month and covers information about the Sacrament of Baptism, the requirements for the Godparents, and the logistics of the ceremony here at SJN.

We ask that you register for the preparation class before attending. Click here to register for the next scheduled Baptism Preparation Class.

It is highly recommended that both parents attend the class together without the child. However, we understand that you may need to bring your child with you, or that you both may not attend together.

For more information, especially if you have already attended a Baptism Preparation Class, please call the Faith Formation Office at 703-860-2815, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m..