Together in Christ

Getting started with your child's baptism:
See below the form for more detailed instruction

Fill out Baptism form

Attend a Pre-Baptism Preparation Course
(in person) Must be completed within the past 2 years

Choose your child’s Godparent(s)

When Choosing your child’s Godparent(s) please consider the following guidelines:

• Parents may choose one or two Godparent(s)/Sponsor(s)

• At least one Godparent/Sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, the other must be a baptized Christian (Christian Witness).

• A Godparent/Sponsor must be at least 16 years of age.

Your Catholic Godparent(s)/Sponsor(s) must be:

• Baptized and Confirmed in the Catholic faith.

• Practicing Catholics in good standing.

• Living out their Christian vocation either as a single person, a religious or clergy, or in a valid marriage in the Catholic Church;

• For more detailed See the guidelines linked to the left

Godparent(s)/Sponsor(s) cannot be:

• A Non-Christian

• Anyone raised Catholic but has changed their religion or is no longer practices the faith.

Catholic Godparent(s) –

Parishioners of Our Family of Parishes (Together in Christ) -St. Teresa, Akron; St. Mary's, Swormville; Nativity BVM, Harris Hill; Sacred Heart, Bowmansville; Our Lady of Peace, Clarence

• Print and complete the Letter of Recommendation for Godparents/Sponsors linked to the left.  (This form is required)

  • After signing and completing this form, drop off, mail or scan and email to Sacrament Coordinator (address linked to the left) this form to the Family Office at the address below for the pastor’s signature; We will notify you when its ready for pick up:

    • 6919 Transit Road, Swormville, NY 14051

Non – Parishioners

• Must request a Letter of Recommendation from the home parish they attend.  This form is required.

  • Please return letter to the Sacrament Coordinator, by dropping off at the office of the church where the baptism will take place and labeled: attention: Sacrament Coordinator or email it to the Sacrament Coordinator via Digital upload

Christian Witness –

• Print and complete the Christian Witness Validation/Eligibility Form

  • Please return signed form to the office of the church where the baptism will take place and labeled: attention: Sacrament Coordinator OR by emailing it to the Sacrament Coordinator

Prior to scheduling your child’s baptism, you must submit the applicable paperwork:

• Registration Form

• Complete the Pre-Baptism Course (within the past 2 years)

• Godparent/sponsor Form (signed by the pastor of their home parish)

• Christian Witness Form (if applicable)

If you have any questions, please contact the Catholic Education Formation Office by:

• Please note: Baptisms are not scheduled during Lent.

Any parents that are non-parishioners or live out of town, must contact Father Thomas Mahoney at the Parish Rectory (716-688-9380) for approval for Baptism at Together in Christ Family of Parishes. Approval is also required from the Pastor of the church at which the parents currently belong.