“For Christ also said, ‘Except you be born again, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’ [John 3:3]” - Justin Martyr

                           
Baptism is the foundation of our life in Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit: 

• We are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God;  
• We become members of Christ; and
• We are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.

At Church of the Annunciation and Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Baptisms are generally celebrated on Sundays after Mass. Arrangements  can be made by contacting the Parish Office at (315) 894-3766 for Church of the Annunciation and (315) 894-2360 for Our Lady Queen of Apostles.

If you live outside of the parish boundaries, the pastor of your local parish must delegate Church of the Annunciation or Our Lady Queen of Apostles to perform the Baptism. Please contact your local parish priest and he will assist you.  

GODPARENTS:

The role of Godparents is of utmost importance. Before you choose Godparents please take note of the canonical requirements (see below). Careful consideration should be given in the selecting of Godparents.

Canonical Requirements for Godparents are as follows:
A baptized child may have a Godfather or a Godmother or both a Godfather and Godmother. If two Godparents are chosen, one must be male and one must be female. A baptized and believing Christian not belonging to the Catholic Church may act as a Christian Witness as long as there is also a Catholic Godparent.* 

Godparents must be 1) at least 16 years of age and 2) a practicing Catholic in good standing. A practicing Catholic in good standing is a Catholic who has been baptized and received the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church. 

Furthermore, a practicing Catholic is a Catholic who, if married, was married in the Catholic Church and if not married, is not living with someone in a romantic relationship. 
 
If the Godparents live out of town, they must also obtain a letter from their Pastor stating that they have permission to be Godparents at Church of the Annunciation or Our Lady Queen of Apostles. 

​Note: If you are unable to find a practicing Catholic in good standing, a Godparent may be chosen from one of the parishioners of Church of the Annunciation or Our Lady Queen of Apostles.  Godparents are not necessary for validity. It is of far better advantage to the soul of your child to have a Godparent who lives a life in keeping with the precepts of the Church and prays for your child rather than a non-practicing Catholic.

*A non-practicing Catholic cannot be admitted as a Christian Witness. This term only applies to a non-Catholic Christian.