At Saint Patrick's, we follow all guidelines and regulations as directed by the Ottawa Medical Officer of Health, Government of Ontario, and Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.  There are no exceptions. Please be aware that these could change at any time.  We appreciate your understanding.

If you are contemplating Baptism for your child, the following guidelines will help you to make this step in faith and in the journey of the Church.
 
Preliminary Inquiry
 
At least three months prior to the date of Baptism, you are asked to call or visit the parish office (613 233-1125) expressing your wish to have your child baptized.
 
This is a precious time for you and your family.  With all the excitement surrounding the birth and baptism of a new baby, there is seldom time for much else.  It is important however, that you spend some time together praying and reflecting on why you wish to present your child for baptism so that your celebration of the Sacrament will truly be a spiritually rewarding experience.
 
Baptism is a sacrament of faith, celebrated by those who have accepted the Risen Lord Jesus as the source of life and have joined the community of his followers, which we call the Church.  Since earliest times, the Church has baptized the children of believers not because of their own faith, but because of the faith of the families into which they were born.  We continue this practice today.  Infants are baptized into the faith of their parents, their godparents and of the Christian community to which they belong.
 
It is up to you as parents, therefore, to share your faith with your children and to lead them in the development of their own personal faith.  To a very great extent, their relationship with Christ and their practice of Christian living depends upon you.
 
The baptism of your child presents you with a wonderful opportunity to explore your own faith and your relationship with Christ and the Church.  We owe it to ourselves and to our children to enter into this process with a generous heart.
 
As part of the preparation for the Baptism, therefore, you can ask yourself to prayerfully consider how serious you are about living as Catholics and raising your children in the Catholic faith. To what extent do we make room for God in our lives? Are we trying to know Jesus better and love him as our brother and Lord?  How often do we pray and attend Mass on Sundays with our community of faith? 
 
As we become more deeply aware of God's love for us, we will find the strength to renew our own baptismal vows, and our commitment to Christ and to the Church.
 
We can be sure that the Lord Jesus will help us if we ask!
 
We are here to assist you in any way we can.  Please do not hesitate to ask. In any event, we pledge our prayers for you and your family as you continue on your journey of faith.
 
Prayer:  Lord, be close to our family.  Guide us on our way to your kingdom and bring us to the joy of salvation.  We ask this is the name of Jesus the Lord.
 
The Celebration of Baptism
 
Infant Baptism will be celebrated in English at scheduled times during the year – usually Saturday morning at 9:00 am, or Sunday after the 12:15 pm mass.  Please contact the office for available dates.
 
Please note:

• A Baptism Registration Form is to be completed, signed and returned to the parish office before a celebration date can be confirmed. You can obtain the Form by contacting the Parish Office at info@basilica.ca. 

• Children cannot be baptized without the consent of at least one of the parents, or someone legally standing in their place.

• Parents will be asked to attend a preparation meeeting before the baptism. The celebration of Baptism will take place in the Basilica.

• The usual church for the celebration of Baptism is the local parish church where the parents regularly worship, or are domiciled.  Parents who are not parishioners at Saint Patrick’s, especially if you are from another diocese, should provide a letter from their local pastor giving permission for the baptism to take place at Saint Patrick’s. Parents will need to clarify their preparation for the baptism of their child.

• There must be reasonable hope that the child will be educated in the Catholic Faith.

• Parents must choose at least one person to act as the child's godparent.

• A godparent must be a Confirmed Roman Catholic, at least 16 years of age, have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role, and be leading a lifestyle consistent with our Faith and the role that he or she is to fulfill. A person baptized in the Eastern Orthodox Church also qualifies as a godparent as long as there is one other person that is a confirmed Roman Catholic.

• Neither the father nor the mother of the child may serve as godparent.

• A validly baptized person who belongs to another Christian community (for example, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian or United) may be admitted only as a witness provided that there is at least one Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria.

• Non-baptized persons may not serve as either godparents or witnesses.

There is no fee for a baptism. If a family wishes to make a donation to the Basilica parish, there are envelopes in the church which can be used. Please provide your full address should you wish a charitable tax receipt.

 May the blessings of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family!