Baptism
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
2025 Baptism Seminar Dates: Jan 19, March 16, May 18, July 20, Sept 21, Nov 16
(Sundays at 1:15pm)
Saint Mary Magdalene Baptism Requirements
If you are seeking the Sacrament of Baptism for your child, please contact us at: baptism@smmcatholic.org
Parents:
- Should be registered at SMM
- Must attend an SMM Baptism Seminar (Seminar attendance is valid for 3 years)
- Must Complete the Baptism Registration Form
- Must supply a copy of child’s Birth Certificate
- Must have at least one Godparent in good standing with the Catholic Church (see requirements below)
- A baptism can NOT be scheduled until ALL paperwork has been received.
- It is possible to have a baptism in Spanish if requested early.
Godparents:
A godparent (also referred to as sponsor) is to assist the parents in helping the baptized to lead a Christian life and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it. (Canon Law #872-874)
- There must be at least one male or one female godparent of 16 years of age or older who has received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
- They must not be bound by any canonical penalty and must lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
- If married, the Catholic must be Confirmed and Married in the Catholic Church.
- They must complete the Godparent Eligibility form supplied by SMM or have a letter from their pastor, addressed to Fr. Terry Crone at SMM, stating that they can be a Godparent. Letters of “Good Standing” are NOT sponsor letters; the letter must specifically state that the person can be a baptism sponsor. Letters are valid for 6 months.
- If you have only one godparent, you may also have one Christian witness. They must be of different sex, following the natural family. You may NOT have two Christian witnesses.
- A Proxy may stand in for a godparent but must also be a Confirmed Catholic in good standing, of the same sex as the person they are standing in for and have a letter from their pastor stating that they can be a proxy if they are not from St. Mary Magdalene. If they are from St. Mary Magdalene, the pastor must approve them.
Godparents must attend a Baptism Seminar if they live in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
- They can take the seminar at ANY parish in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
- If a godparent attends a seminar at a parish other than SMM, they will need a letter of verification of attendance sent to SMM addressed to Fr. Terry Crone. Please note the name of the child being baptized in the letter.
- If a godparent is not a parishioner in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, they should follow the directives of their diocese regarding godparent preparation standards. A letter of verification of preparation will need to be sent to SMM addressed to Fr. Terry Crone. Please note the name of the child being baptized in the letter.
Baptism for Older Children and Adults
Children over the age of 7 and adults seeking Baptism will participate in a process called OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).
Focusing on the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), all persons over 7 are immersed in the ancient Rites of the Church which lead to a personal and intimate relationship with the Risen Christ. This is a process that will take some time and we are excited to walk alongside your family on this journey!