Congratulations! Your baby's Baptism will be a special moment for you and your family. It will also be a special moment for your parish as we welcome your child into God's family.
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays at 1 pm
If this is your first child to be baptized at St. Jude, we ask you to attend one Baptism Preparation Class before scheduling a Baptism date.
If you have not registered as a member of St. Jude Church, you are encouraged to do so.
Baptism schedule
Baptism Preparation
God bless you in choosing to have your child baptized. Please complete the Baptism Preparation Form and you will be contacted to schedule your session.
Baptism Dates (subject to availability)
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays at 1pm
May 14
June 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19, 26
If you had a child baptized at St. Jude, you do not need to attend the Baptism Preparation Class again. Please complete the Baptismal Information Form and contact the Parish Office at 815-485-8049 to register for a Baptism date.
A baptism date will not be assigned until the Baptism Form is received.
Godparent Information
Choosing Godparents
Church law requires that a person who is to be baptized have at least one godparent who:
- Is a baptized and confirmed member of the Catholic Church.
- Is willing and able to help the child develop and grow in the Catholic faith.
- Is sixteen years of age or older.
If there are two godparents (only one is required), one must be male and the other female.
A baptized Christian, who is not a Catholic, may participate along with a Catholic godparent by serving as a “Christian Witness”.
Non-baptized persons may not officially act as a godparent or a witness to a Baptism of a child in the Catholic Faith.
The names of the godparent(s) and witness, will be recorded in the baptismal records of the church.
Godparents Guidelines
It is a joy to welcome a new baby by birth or by adoption. It is an added joy to welcome a new child of God through the waters of Baptism.
Your task, your ministry, is to be a good Christian role model for this child - to set an example by leading a loving and caring Christian life.
Standing near the parents while the Baptism takes place is only the beginning of a lifelong relationship with your godchild who on that day becomes a new member of God's family and a new member of the Church.
Here are some suggestions to assist and guide you in fulfilling your responsibilities as a godparent.
- Start now by praying for your godchild.
- Spend time together.
- Send cards, notes, email messages.
- Call from time to time.
- Attend Mass together.
- Pray together.
- Read the Bible together.
- Celebrate the anniversary of Baptism.
- Serve as a good Christian role model.