St. Matthew’s has instituted a new Baptism Preparation Program to ensure a greater outreach and opportunity for evangelization of our young parents. Our Deacons will meet with the couple to help ensure awarenss of the authentic meaning of the sacrament and their role as Catholic parents. The program is the beginning of the child’s journey towards full initiation into the Catholic Church. The overall focus of the program is to offer the opportunity to deepen one’s faith commitment, to better understand the gift and challenge of Christian parenting, and to come together to find support in knowing other members of our parish.  We do our best to pair the Deacon who will be baptizing the child/children with you, so that you know who is baptizing your child and that the day of the Baptism is not the first time you will be meeting with him.

The process is as follows:
*Please call the office for updated information due to Covid-19 protocol

• When new parents call the parish office to schedule a Baptism they will provide the Baptismal information and set the date for the Baptism. Baptisms are celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month beginning at 12:30 pm. We do not schedule Baptism's on Holidays (Christmas, Easter, Mother's/Father's Day, Memorial Day Weekend, etc.) or during the season of Lent.
• When you call to schedule your Baptism, the Parish Secretary will provide the availability of dates.  Baptisms scheduled two months in advance and time slots fill quickly. The Secretary will do her best to accomodate all requests.  Please be mindful that due to the current Covid-19 protocol and restrictions, Baptisms are now scheduled individually by family with safety precautions.  All details will shared with you prior to the ceremony.
• All families are required to attend Baptismal Preparation with one of our Deacons. The only exception being if you previously have had a child baptized within the past two years and attended a class at St. Matthew's. Baptism preparation classes are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at St. Matthew's.

If you would like information about having your child baptized please call the parish office and we will be happy to help you with the preparations (973) 584-1101.