Congratulations on the birth of your child!

Follow these steps to set your child’s baptismal date.

Contact either Deacon Paul Dolan or Fr. John Haugen at the Emmaus Pastorate office to altert them of the requested Baptism, begin the process, and to discuss the baptismal date.

Prior to each Baptism, parents are required to attend one of four Baptism classes offered throughout the year within the Emmaus Pastorate.  Please note that hard copies of the forms referenced in Steps 2, 4, and 5 are also given in the class.  The third baptism classes of 2024-2025 will be in February 5, 2025 at 6:00pm at St. Mary's Education Center in Strawberry Point.  Please call John Uhal at the St. Joseph Parish Center (563-245-2548) or email him at [email protected] to register.  Preregistration is recommended but not required.  The final class for the academic year will be on May 7, 2025 at 6:00pm at St. Joseph Parish Center in Elkader.

Each child presented for Baptism should have two godparents, one man and one woman, who assist the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith.  Each must be an active member of their Catholic parish or one an active Catholic while the other a practicing non-Catholic Christian in his/her denomination.  Each is therefore asked to complete the form below, have it signed by his/her pastor, and return it to the St. Mark Parish Office at least two weeks prior to the baptism.

Baptism Godparent Form

For administrative purposes, a parent must complete a Baptism Registration form so our staff receives the necessary information regarding each child and the requested Baptism.  This form must be returned to the St. Mark Parish Office at least two weeks prior to the requested Baptism date.

Please note that no Baptism will be scheduled unless each of these steps is taken, hence the requested date of the Baptism is only a requested date until all forms are completed and submitted and the class is attended.

Baptism Registration Form

• On the date of the baptism, please arrive at church at least 15 minutes prior to Mass. 
• Invite your guests to sit in the reserved seating, leaving the first pew open for parents and sponsors. 
• The child’s family and sponsors will be a part of the Entrance Procession at the start of Mass. 
• Please inform your family members that flash photography is not allowed during baptisms.