Greetings from the Immaculate Conception Parish Family!

 

 

We are filled with joy that you have chosen to share this sacred moment with our parish family. Your child is a precious gift from God—a beautiful expression of your love for Him and for each other.

 

Now, as a family of faith, it is time to dedicate your child to the Lord through the Sacrament of Baptism.



The Meaning of Baptism

 

Baptism is the first and foundational Sacrament of our Christian life. Through it, your child is:

  • Named (Christened) as a sign that Christ has claimed them as His own,
  • Welcomed into the Church,
  • Called to live a holy life, and
  • Prepared for their eternal journey to their heavenly home.



Baptism Schedule

  • Baptisms are celebrated once a month (please refer to the parish schedule).
  • No Baptisms are held during Lent, which usually falls between February and April. The exact dates vary each year.



Preparation Steps for Baptism

 

To ensure your child receives this Sacrament with the reverence and joy it deserves, please complete the following steps:

 

1. Schedule an Interview

  • Call the Rectory Office at least one month in advance to set up an appointment with one of our priests.
  • Both parents must attend this meeting.
  • Please bring:
  • Your child’s Birth Certificate
  • The completed online Baptism Registration Form (Click the Button below)

 

2. Attend the Baptism Class

  • After the interview, the priest will inform you about the Baptism Class, a brief 1-hour session.
  • This class explains the meaning of Baptism and the responsibilities of Parents and Godparents.
  • Attendance is required for:
  • Both Parents
  • Both Godparents (or officially designated proxies)
  • Classes are held monthly in the Lower Church.



Choosing Godparents

 

Godparents play a vital spiritual role in your child’s life. They must:

  • Be Catholic and in good standing with the Church
  • One male and one female
  • If married, be married sacramentally (i.e., in the Church)
  • Be exemplary Catholics, serving as spiritual role models



The Day of Baptism

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.
  • This will allow you to settle in, meet other families, and prepare for the celebration.
  • Families traditionally offer a free-will donation to the Church in thanksgiving:
  • Place it in an envelope labeled with your child’s name
  • Give it to the priest before leaving
  • If donating by check, please make it payable to: Immaculate Conception Church Astoria



Welcoming Ceremony at Mass

  • On the Sunday following the Baptism, you are invited to attend the 10:30 AM Mass.
  • After the homily, the priest will call you and your child into the sanctuary for:
  • A special blessing
  • A joyful welcome from the parish community
  • Reserved seating will be available for your family and guests.



Annual Baptism Celebration

 

We host a Yearly Celebration of Baptism to bring together families of all children baptized that year.

This is a beautiful way to:

  • Celebrate your child’s Baptism again,
  • Meet other families, and
  • Build lasting bonds within the parish.

 

You will receive a Save the Date notice once the event is scheduled.



Join the Parish Family

 

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to officially register as members of Immaculate Conception Parish.

This gives your family access to:

  • Ongoing spiritual formation
  • Opportunities for community life
  • A support system for your faith journey



With Our Prayers

 

We pray that this journey into faith will be a source of deep joy and grace for you and your child. May the love of Jesus Christ surround you always and keep your family safe in His Divine Embrace.

 

With every blessing,

Msgr. Fernando Ferrarese, Pastor

& The Pastoral Staff of

Immaculate Conception Church, Astoria