The Baptismal Preparation Program at The Good Shepherd Parish is not a course that parents and godparents have to pass in order to have their child baptized. The Baptismal Preparation Program is a spiritual enterprise. Its purpose is to lead the parents and godparents to remain with Christ in deep faith and to renew their commitment to Christian living.

The program consists of 5 Steps:

Step 1 - Fill out the Baptismal Information Form included in this package and return it (along with the $80 administration fee) to the parish office. A priest or member of the parish Baptismal Team will contact you.

Step 2 - If you would like to receive a visit to your home from one of the Baptismal team or the priest, please let us know.

Step 3 - A Meeting for the Parents and Godparents will take place at the church ordinarily the week preceding the Baptism.

Step 4 - The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on a designated Sunday of the month following the 11:15 a.m. mass.

Step 5 - A Reunion Mass for the families who have celebrated a baptism in our parish in the past year will be held during the year. You will receive notice of this mass.

In exceptional circumstances, baptism can be celebrated at another time besides the regularly scheduled one (a Sunday is always preferred). However, parents will still be asked to meet the requirements of the preparation program. Parents who are unable to complete it will be requested to postpone the baptism to the following month or another suitable time.

The Good Shepherd Parish community wants the baptism of your child to be a special occasion for you and for us. It is an extraordinarily special day for your child. We realize that we are making considerable demand of parents and godparents in this Baptismal Preparation Program, but we want you to appreciate the serious commitment you are making for yourselves and for your child. God bless you.