Typically baptisms can be scheduled after the Saturday Evening 4:30 pm Mass or Sunday after the 11 am Mass. However, baptisms can be scheduled at other times even occassionly during Mass provided that there is nothing else going on.
A sacrament is not private, so if other families request the same scheduled time we will do more than one baptism. Families who have not attended a baptism class are asked to do so prior to scheduling the baptism. To schedule a baptism class please call the office. For scheduling a baptism please call the parish office at (717) 848 - 2007 or fill out the online registration form at the bottom of the page. Your responses to the online registration form also helps us to update the parish census.
Since deacons are ordained ministers, they will be scheduled to assist Father Carroll with Baptisms. They will be doing baptisms on the 1st and 3rd Weekends. Whichever deacon is on for the Mass prior to the baptism will be the one scheduled. Father Carroll will be doing baptisms on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Weekends. Baptisms can be scheduled at other times with Father Carroll, Deacon Michael, and Deacon Jim depending on their availability and the Church's availability.
Photography Policy...
It is important to remember that baptism is a sacrament. We understand the importantance and the desire to capture this time in your child's life. Photography and videography are permitted provided that it doesn't distract from the sacrament. During the rite of baptism we kindly ask that you reframe from flash photography.
Once the baptism rite has been completed the clergy would be happy to pose for photographs or stage the moment of baptism so that you can have it to cherish for years to come.
The Parish Gift for you...
After the rite of baptism is completed you will be given a gift from the parish to help you commemorate your child's baptism.
1) Your child's baptismal certificate (Please be sure to keep it in a safe place it will come in handy years down the road)
2) Holy Water Bottle (filled with the very water your child was baptized in)
3) Baptismal Candle
4) Book Mark with the baptismal shell lapel pin
5) A wooden red rose (in honor of the gift of life)
Is there a cost for baptism?
There is never a cost for the administration of a sacrament. It is customary for families to offer a small donatation to either the Church or to the one officating, but again this is not a requirement.