The parish family of Saint James celebrates with great joy the Baptism of your new baby! The Sacrament of Baptism is often called “The Door of the Church” because it is the first of the seven sacraments, not only in sequence (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but also in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. Children receive baptism primarily to remove original sin, but the celebration of the Sacrament can also serve as a great family tradition through which to welcome one’s child into the faith of the family.

At the Church of Saint James, baptisms are scheduled on most Sundays at 1:15 p. m. in the main church and usually conclude by 2:00 p. m. No more than four babies are scheduled for baptism on any given Sunday. A Baptism Preparation Session is required for first-time parents and must be scheduled through the parish office. The preparation sessions are generally held on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 a. m. in the pastoral center. Godparents are welcome to attend.

Baptism Policy Letter

Please submit the form below or call the parish office at 908-766-0888, ext. 3, to schedule a baptism for your child. 

Godparents for baptism in the Diocese of Metuchen must be practicing Catholics at least 14 years of age, fully initiated (having received Confirmation and First Eucharist), someone other than the legal parents, and one who leads a life in harmony with the Church (if they are married, they must be in a valid Catholic marriage.) Their role is to assist the child’s parents in raising the child in the Catholic Faith. Catholic godparents will be asked to obtain a sponsor letter from their parishes. Sponsors from other Christian faiths are welcome to act as Christian Witnesses, but at least one godparent must be Catholic. Only one godparent is required to witness your child’s Baptism, but if you choose to have two, one must be male and one female. If a godparent cannot be present for the Baptism, a proxy may stand in his/her place.