• Parents calling the Parish Office will be asked for preliminary information by a member of the Parish Office Staff.   
• Those living in other parish communities, not registered at Saint Thomas will be asked to provide a letter of permission from the parish where they usually attend Mass.
• All those completing this initial step will be contacted by a parish priest/deacon shortly thereafter to enroll in our Baptism Preparation Program.  
• In some cases, especially if parents are out of state, this interview can occur over the phone with proper verification and permissions.

• A parish priest/deacon will contact you at the number you've provided setting a date that is mutually convenient so as to encourage you as you make good choices in baptizing your child.
• Please bring the baby's birth certificate to this meeting so that a copy will be placed on file.
• Please consider who will serve as your child's godparents.  For assistance on who can serve as godparents please click here.
• The choice of Godparents will be discussed and the necessary forms complete in time for the assigned class.
• During this meeting the priest/deacon will enroll you in our preparation program, schedule the date of the preparation class and the date baptism will be celebrated for your child.  
• For those not registered or not participating in weekly Mass, every effort will be made to encourage parents to live the faith they are promising for their child.
• Any individual concerns or situations should be discussed at this time.  Most especially in cases where one of the parents are of another religion.  Ultimately, both parents should agree that the child being baptized will be raised in the Roman Catholic Faith.

• On the Wednesday prior to the scheduled baptism, one class is held for parents in Saint Thomas the Apostle School - 87-49 87th Street.  Only those enrolled in class through a meeting with a parish priest/deacon attend.   
• All documents for the upcoming baptism are due.
• Parents are prepared for the celebration. 

• Baptism is celebrated for those enrolled in our Preparation Program
• Baptism is celebrated the First Sunday of the Month in English, and the Second Sunday in Spanish.  Depending on major Church Holidays, the schedule may change, please consult the Parish Office.
• Out of courtesy for all involved, please arrive 1/2 hour BEFORE the celebration begins.
• If your plans change, please have the courtesy to contact the Parish Office - BEFORE the celbration.
• Baptism begins promptly at 2:00 PM.  
• Once the Ritual begins late-comers can not be accomodated.
• Since Baptism is celebrated each month unreasonable lateness will result in having the Baptism post-poned until the next scheduled celebration.

Please Note:

• As always, those not able to keep a scheduled appointment, attend class or who have chosen another parish for Baptism are asked to respectfully contact the Parish Office during business hours.
• Since Baptisms are celebrated two times monthly, failure to supply the proper information in a timely fashion will result in the baptism being postponed to another later date.