Baptism
Baptism Registration
We are happy to help you and your children in receiving the sacrament of Baptism. Please click the link below to register your child for baptism. A member of the parish staff will contact you upon receiving your submission.
Please note, you must be a registered at one of our fives parishes to schedule a baptism.
Register A copy of the child's Birth Certificate is required as part of the registration paperwork.
Baptism Preparation Class
Class for St. Joseph (Grey Eagle), St. John's (Swanville), and St. Mary's (Long Prairie) held by Deacon Jim is on the second Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Parish Office in Long Prairie. Please contact St. Mary's Parish Office at 320-732-2635 to sign up for the Baptism Class.
Spanish Baptism Preparation by Deacon Carlos will be the third Sunday of the month after the 11:45 a.m. Mass. Classes are held at the St. Mary’s Parish Office.
Class for Christ the King (Browerville) and St. Joseph (Clarissa) held by Beverly Geraets for the parishes of Christ the King, Browerville and St. Joseph, Clarissa. Parents are welcome to register by contacting the parish office. Beverly will contact you for a time to meet. Please contact Christ the King Parish Office at 320-594-6114 or St. Joseph, Clarissa Parish Office at 218-756-2205 to sign up for the class.
Godparents
A godparent must be at least 16 years of age, a practicing Catholic in good standing who has received Confirmation and First Communion, and, if married, be married within the Catholic Church. The godparent does not have to be present at the baptism. A proxy may stand in his or her place.
Parents of the child being baptized cannot be the child’s godparents. Grandparents or other family members may serve in this role. A non-Catholic who is baptized and is a practicing Christian may not be a sponsor. That person may participate as a Christian witness but does not replace the sponsor. A Catholic who is not practicing his or her faith cannot participate as a Christian witness or sponsor.
Only one godparent is required. If you would like to have two godparents, one must be male and the other must be female (i.e. there cannot be two males or two females).
At least two weeks before the date of the baptism, sponsors must submit a letter of eligibility from his or her parish indicating that he or she meets the above requirements.
Adult Baptisms
If your child has reached the age of reason (usually about 7 or 2nd grade) or above, or if you are an adult (age 18 and over) seeking baptism, please contact our Sacramental Coordinator at the link below for more information. Baptism preparation for adults and older children usually lasts for one year because it also includes preparation for First Communion and Confirmation. Unbaptized adults and older children, when ready, will receive all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation) at the same time, usually at the Easter Vigil Mass.