Need copy of baptism certificate?

NEED A NEW BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE?

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made shares in her mission: “Baptism in the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.” (CCC 1213)

Because Baptism is the primordial and foundational sacrament to the Christian faith, many Catholic schools, parishes, priests, or directors of religious programs will need to see a copy of a baptismal certificate in order to make sure that the child or candidate is ready for the reception of additional sacraments.

Even if your child was baptized here at Blessed Sacrament, it is the responsibility of the parents or the adult baptized to keep the original baptism certificate. There are no copies of original baptismal certificates kept here at the parish – there are only the records. There is only one original baptism certificate made, embossed and signed by the priest or deacon, which is then entrusted to the parents of the child or the adult who was baptized.

If you have lost your original certificate, a new one will have to be made for you by looking up the baptism in the church records. In order to do this, please provide the following to Joan Ward via email at [email protected]

• The full name of the child or person baptized
• The exact date of the baptism: day, month, year (or as close as possible)

If you have any additional questions regarding Baptismal certificates, you may call Joan Ward at 202.966.3983
.