To baptize your child, parents should first contact the Parish Office.
Parents and godparents/Christian witnesses must complete all forms and attend a baptism preparation class. Baptism Preparation Classes are offered frequently but you must register in advance through the office. Only after all requirements are complete, may the date/time of the baptism be scheduled.
There is no fee for baptisms. It is, however, customary to give the celebrant of the baptism a stipend at your discretion. Typically, they give anywhere from $20-$100.
English Baptisms are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month or on Sundays.
Spanish Baptisms are held the 1st and 4th Saturday of the month or on Sundays.
For more information, contact the Parish office secretary@stjosephathens.com or call 706-548-6332.
The Role of Godparents
The role of a godparent in the Catholic church is an important one. They are not merely ceremonial gift-givers, nor are they required to physically adopt a child in the event of a parent’s death. They must live a life of faith in agreement with the Church’s teachings and be familiar with the faith in order to catechize the baptized person and ensure their spiritual well-being, which befits the role of to be undertaken by godparents.
Choosing godparents should be done based on their spiritual maturity and eligibility in meeting the Church’s guidelines:
- A godparent must be an active, practicing Catholic, age 16 or older and have received all the Sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. They will be asked to present a Letter of Good Standing from their home parish.
- If choosing two Godparents, they must be one man and one woman.
- The godparents are not required to be married to one another, but if either is married, they each must be married in the Catholic faith.
*A letter of good standing is a written verification of eligibility from their home parish that they are an “active parishioner.” This is determined by the Pastor of their church, based on documentation that you are registered and attend Mass regularly.
If you are selecting Godparents for the Baptism of a child, or if you have been asked to be a Godparent, it is important to contact the Parish office in advance of the baptismal date to obtain an official Sacramental sponsor letter from the Pastor.