Please see information related to your child's baptism:
Children birth up to age 7
Children ages 7 and older
Faith Formation links:
Parent Baptism Classes
Pope Benedict XVI on Baptism
Rooted: Young Adults
Nursery at Mass
Video: Why we Baptize Infants
Baptism of Young Children Under the Age of 4
Children's Ministry Team: Deyette Swegle
We celebrate baptisms of young children during Sunday Mass. (Except during Advent & Lent.)
Since Vatican II has directed Catholics to celebrate the Sacraments and Liturgy with “full, active and conscious” participation, we ask that first-time parents/guardians participate first in an initial meeting with Pastoral Assistant and then two 2-hour Baptism Preparation Sessions to update their understanding of baptism, embrace the important responsibilities of Christian parenting, and to learn more about the many ways our parish supports families.
To schedule an initial meeting or to get more information please fill out the form by clicking here. Someone will contact you regarding pre-sacramental or sacramental preparation and setting a date for your child's baptism.
Baptism Sacramental Prep Class 1 (Monday evening) is for parents only, you may bring your baby to this classes.
Baptism Sacramental Prep Class 2 (Saturday morning) is for parents and godparents, you may bring your baby to this class.
Godparent only Class (Saturday morning- held in conjunction with Baptism Prep 2)
click here for more information
Classes are held in the School in room 7B (which faces the street between the parish and the school).
To register for classes please fill out the registration form at the bottom of this page or contact Deyette. EMAIL
Commonly Asked Questions
What do you ask of God's Church? Baptism.
What does God's Church ask of You?
Why does Holy Rosary Parish request that at least one parent/guardian be a fully initiated Catholic?
Church law requires at least one practicing Catholic shall agree to take responsibility for raising the child to be baptized in the practice of faith. To determine if this requirement is met the pastor and his staff take into consideration the readiness of the parents or legal guardians, including his/her/their dedication to their faith practice including, but not limited to the parent(s) or guardian(s) having received the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, 1st Communion, and Confirmation, and where appropriate the Sacrament of Matrimony.
What does it mean to have my marriage "regularized" and why is it important?
While there are exceptions, generally, marriages that were not performed in a Catholic Church and/or by were not performed by a Catholic Priest are most likely not "regularized". Archdiocesan guidelines ask that parents/guardians who are raising their children in the Catholic faith through regular Mass attendance, participation in parish and/or school life be encouraged to regularize their marital status within the Church. In most cases regularizing a marriage involves a process of called Convalidation, for more information about this process please contact Father John, (206) 935-8353. Having your marriage brought into the Church allows parents to live out their Catholic faith more fully in the presence of their children.
Do the Parent or Parents require Sacramental Preparation for Sacraments other than Baptism? i.e. Adult Baptism, Adult Confirmation, and/or Convalidation of Marriage
It is pastoral discretion to determine intent on the part of the parents/legal guardians to raise the child to be baptized Catholic. At the time of application if it is apparent that there is lack of intent to raise the child Catholic, baptism can be delayed until such time as the parents/legal guardians are ready and able to assume their responsibility. We are very willing to work with and support families as they re-engage with their faith, to support and encourage this we have a pre-sacramental preparation program where you can be connected with those who are knowledgeable to support you in removing boundaries to living your faith. If you are seeking Infant Baptism and need more information about Adult Confirmation, Adult Baptism or Marriage Convalidation please contact Deyette EMAIL or (206)937-1488 ext. 251
Who can be godparents?
Church law requires that there is at least one godparent for the child baptized. Godparents need to be active, practicing and fully initiated Catholics at least 16 years of age. Godparents must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, 1st Eucharist, and Confirmation. Godparents need to submit written proof of registration from their parish. Please download and fill out the attached Godparent Certificate.
Can a non-Catholic be a godparent? No, only a Catholic can be a godparent because they are asked to promise to help support raising the child in the Catholic faith. A non-Catholic Christian can witness the baptism as long as there is one Catholic godparent. A non-baptized person cannot be a godparent or a witness. For further reading please see The Role of Godparents.
What if the godparents can’t come to the actual celebration? You can have a proxy stand in for the godparent(s). Please let the staff know so they can record the name of the proxy on the certificate.
Can I schedule a private baptism? No, unless there is an exceptional circumstance. Baptism celebrates the initiation of the child into the parish community and it is very important that the community is present at the time of celebration. However, there is an option for a group baptism where a community family is formed of the families of children to be baptized. Please let us know if you are interested in this option.
Why do I need to provide my maiden name? Baptismal and records of other sacraments are kept in a way that always traces back to your baptism. By providing your maiden name your registration for your child's baptism can be traced correctly.
What is the cost? We do not charge for Sacraments. Our Baptism team is composed of highly dedicated Volunteers. The cost of the supplies we use during preparation and the ceremony comes to about $75 per family. If you would like to make a donation toward the church for covering the cost of the supplies, or in honor of your child's Baptism, please use the Baptism envelopes provided to you to so that your donation can be accounted toward the Baptism Team. To make a donation in honor of your child's baptism please click here.
Children 7 years of age and older
Sr. Stella, Children's Ministry Team
(206)937-1488 ext. 252
RCIA adapted for Children: Holy Rosary Church welcomes children of catechetical age, along with their families, on a journey of preparation for initiation into the Catholic community. The Church prepares older children and adults for all three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Those children who have never been baptized will participate in the RCIA process adapted for children and celebrate their sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Profession of Faith with or without Confirmation: Those children already baptized in other Christian communities will make a profession of faith into the Catholic Church and will receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation in the rite of Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. In addition to the Sacramental Preparation received in either Sunday Faith Formation classes and/or through Catholic School, additional preparation is required for children to prepare the child for the Profession of Faith, this is decided on a case by case basis.