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 12:30pm.
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
Our Baptism Preparation Classes are scheduled Monday's at 6:30pm:
November 18
December 16
Please complete the form and we will contact you.
Baptism Dates (subject to availability)
Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays at 12:30pm.
January 12, 19, 26
February 2, 16, 23
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 815-463-4200 to register for a Baptism date.
A baptism date will not be reserved 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.