Baptism

To begin, fill out the parish's Baptism Information Form and submit it to the parish office. Once we have received your form, we will reach out with further instructions: whether a Baptism course is needed, and your preferred dates and times for the Baptism.

The church does not require a fee for Baptism, but a donation is customary. The suggested amounts are $50 for parishioners and $150 for non-parishioners. The parish understands that amounts vary for different families based on personal budgets.

Donations can be made by cash or cheque. For cash, we recommend placing it in a card and giving it to the priest or the parish office. Cheques should be made out to St. Charles Garnier Parish and given to the priest or the parish office, with "Baptism" and your child's name in the memo line.

If this is your first child being baptized, you will need to take the Baptism Preparation Course. If this is your second or later child, the course is not required.

To book the course, email formation.scg.kelowna@nelsondiocese.org and you will receive further instructions.

If your child is 7 or younger, please follow the same process. Children older than 7 can understand and be more involved in the preparation, so please email formation.scg.kelowna@nelsondiocese.org for the next steps in preparing your older child for Baptism.

Both parents do not need to be Catholic. The hope is that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith, and that should be acknowledged. If neither parent is a practising Catholic, another family member may be present and agree to raise the child in the faith.

Your child can still be baptized if you are not married, or not married in the Catholic Church. If you are hoping to have your marriage recognized by the Church, we invite you to speak with the parish priest about convalidation.

You need at least one godparent. Traditionally we recommend two, one male and one female, but this is a suggestion. If you have more than two, please note that only two can be listed on the certificate and with the Diocese of Nelson. If you are considering grandparents as godparents, please speak with the parish first.

At least one godparent must meet these requirements:

• A practising Catholic who has received all three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation
• At least 16 years of age
• In a valid sacramental marriage, if married
• Not a parent of the child

A godparent's role is to be a good example and spiritual mentor to the child, helping to pass along the faith and supporting the child in it throughout their life.

Please submit a Godparent Form for each godparent no later than one week before the Baptism date, so their names can be added to the Baptism certificate. If a godparent cannot attend on the day, a proxy may stand in their place; email formation.scg.kelowna@nelsondiocese.org for details. And if you do not have a Catholic family member or friend to ask, the parish is happy to help you find a practising Catholic in our community who may step forward as godparent.

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, and let the priest know you have arrived. The child, parents and godparents sit in the front row closest to the altar; if the Baptism is during a Sunday Mass, we will put up reserved signs for you. The baptismal font is placed in front of the steps to the altar, and one of the parents usually holds the baby.

Traditionally the child wears white, a sign of being clothed with Christ. For parents, godparents and guests, "Sunday best" is right, as you would dress for a nice dinner out. You do not need to bring anything for the Baptism itself; the parish provides everything, including the baptismal candle.

You are welcome to take photos during the Baptism. Please remind everyone taking photos that the church is a sacred space and to be respectful. You may ask the priest to take photos with you afterwards; please respect his time and his answer.

Yes, if the hall is available and arranged in advance with the parish office. What is possible depends on whether you have booked a private Baptism or a Baptism during one of the regular weekend Masses.

• Reception with the congregation after Mass: if your Baptism is during a regular Mass and you would like to celebrate with the congregation during the usual coffee time, there is no charge.
• Private reception: renting the hall for a private reception is $250.

Conditions, payment details, and the requirements for event insurance and liquor permits are in the Hall Rental Information for Baptisms sheet.

Keep your child's Baptism certificate somewhere safe. It will be needed for future sacraments such as First Communion and Confirmation. If it is ever lost, contact the parish for a replacement.