The waters of Baptism symbolize life and death, washing and cleansing and the mystery of dying and rising. A person can be baptized at any age, from infant to adult. If you are interested in having your child baptized or you are an adult and would like more information concerning Baptism, please call the Administration Center at 847-524-4429, or click here. 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Deciding to baptize your child means that you are willing to take on the responsibility to raise your child in the Catholic faith. You are committed to nurturing that faith by your practice and good example. It is the beginning of your child’s journey of faith, which will last a lifetime. To register for the baptism of your child, you must come into the Parish Administration Center to fill out the required forms and pay the fee.  

Baptism Preparation Meeting for Parents

Preparation of the parents for the baptism of your child is required by the Archdiocese of Chicago prior to the baptism. At St. Marcelline this one preparation session is usually scheduled on the third Wednesday of the month in the evening. This is an opportunity to get a deeper sense of the meaning of the sacrament and to become familiar with the baptismal ceremony. You are encouraged to attend this meeting before the birth of your child.
 
The first important step:
We suggest you register for the Preparation Session before your baby is born.
 
FAQ's about infant Baptism:

1.) Do I need to be a registered parishioner?

No. You do not need to be a parishioner. However, if you live outside of the Archdiocese of Chicago you must get a letter from the parish you attend or the parish whose boundaries you are located in, stating they give you permission to have your child Baptized at St. Marcelline

 2.) When do the baptisms take place? 

The Sacrament of Baptism is offered twice each month on the second and third Sunday afternoons beginning at 12:00pm, except during the Season of Lent. During Lent there are no baptisms except for emergency situations.

 3.) What's the process of choosing Godparents?

 When deciding on godparents, you should consider Christian relatives or friends who:

• Would be a good Christian role model for your child
• Who give witness to God in their everyday lives
• Who are willing to maintain a long-term relationship with your child
• A proxy for the ceremony may be chosen if a godparent cannot attend 

4.) What are the requirements of Canon Law for Godparents?

• One godparent, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex 
• At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has received all three sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and be at least 16 years of age, and most importantly must live "a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken.

5.) Is there a fee?

To register your child for the Sacrament of Baptism you must come to the Parish Administration Center to complete a Registration Form. The fee for a Baptism is $100, and is non-refundable. The fee is due at the time of registration. 

If you have any questions, please call the Parish Administration Center at (847) 524-4429.