As the first in the Catholic Church's Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism is a time of special joy and blessing for each family. In seeking baptism for their child, parents make a public promise to journey with them, to be their first teachers, and to offer a guiding hand. In baptism, a child will be welcomed into our Church family. Because as members of the Church we are all connected to each other, St. Therese Parish Community is committed to partner with the family in nurturing the faith of a child. We provide families with the resources, guidance, and Sacramental preparation needed to continue to raise your child in the Christian Faith.
The first step in arranging a baptism is to be sure the parents are registered parishioners of our parish- if you are not registered yet, Parish Registration forms are on the Main Page of the Website or are located at any parish office (School, Religious Ed, Parish Office or in the church sacristy). After filling it out, just mail it to the Parish Office. Newly registered families will need to wait 3 months before scheduling the baptism. If you are registered and active at a different parish, but would like to have your baptism here at St. Therese, please provide a letter of permission from your current parish.
In order to schedule a baptism, parents make arrangements through the staff in the Parish Office. To help understand the full meaning of baptizing a child in the Catholic faith, all first-time parents are required to attend a baptismal preparation class. Baptism prep classes are held once a month and led by one of our priests or deacons. Pre-Registration is required.
Please read the sponsor form BEFORE selecting your potential Godparents!!
A baptized Catholic MUST BE CONFIRMED to be eligable to be a sponsor as per Canon Law. Proof of Confirmation will be required.
A BAPTIZED Catholic that HAS NOT received the sacarament of Confirmation CAN NOT be a sponosor as per Canon Law.
Baptisms are scheduled at St. Therese on two Sunday's per month at 1:30pm and 2:30pm. The Rite of Baptism normally takes about 45-60 minutes.
Due to COVID, we will schedule no more than 1 baby per time slot and for the safety of all, please keep your church guests list to a maximum of 20 people. All in attendance are required to wear a mask.
For more information or to schedule a baptism, call the Parish Office at 973-584-8271 ex 711.
Parent Preparation Class 7:30pm in the Church (You must register before attending!)
2021 Classes
Monday January 25th
Monday February 22nd
No Class in March/Lent
Monday April 26th
Monday May 24th
Monday June 28th
2021 Baptisms 1:30pm and 2:30pm
Summer and Fall dates will be published by the end of May.
**Dates are subject to change, please contact the rectory office to confirm availability.
PRIVATE Baptisms are reserved for military deloyment or special circumstances- not to accomadate party planning or travel schedule.
Affective July 1, 2014, all sponsors for Baptism need to fill out a Sponsor Form. This form needs to be completed by the sponsor and sent to the St. Therese Rectory Office 1 month prior to the scheduled baptism date. St. Therese members need to have their membership verified to be eligible to be a sponsor.
Please read the Sponsor Form BEFORE selecting your potential Godparents!!