Sacrament of Baptism

People at every stage of life become Catholics through the Sacrament of Baptism.  Parents can seek this for their infants and older children.  Adults who desire to be baptized typically do so within the Adult OCIA/RCIA Program which allows them to receive the additional Sacraments of Reconcilation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Baptisms may take place during any scheduled weekend or weekday Mass.  Baptizing during Mass is preferred because it reinforces our understanding that Baptism is both an initiation into the Catholic Faith and an initiation into our specific community of believers in St. John Guardian of Our Lady Parish.  Baptisms also are offered on Saturday afternoons and at other times if specific needs exist.  There are no fees.

For infants and toddlers, the process is as follows.

First-time parents married in the Catholic Church who are planning to have their first child baptized at St. John’s must take part in a Baptismal Preparation Class which is held on the first Sunday of each month at 12 p.m. in the Parish Center downstairs in our church.  Please reserve the time by contacting the parish secretary at 978-368-0366 x201.  Bridget and Sam Kaulbach volunteer to lead this preparation.

We warmly welcome parents who were not married in a Catholic church to meet with Fr. Jim or Fr. Julio to learn about God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift of Baptism.  Please contact the parish secretary at 978-368-0366 x201 to begin the paperwork. 

Parents who have had children baptized previously may call the parish secretary at 978-368-0366 x201 to begin the paperwork and choose a date.  

Regarding Godparents: Please complete and return a hardcopy of the Godparent Form to the Office Manager.  Before choosing two Godparents (or one Godparent and one sponsor) for your child, please be sure that they fulfill the requirements on the form or are able to procure a letter from their pastor attesting that they are qualified.