What is Baptism?

Baptism is the one sacrament that all Christian denominations share in common. In the Catholic Church, infants are baptized to welcome them into the Catholic faith and to free them from the original sin they were born with.

To the Catholic Church, original sin isn’t a personal sin of the unborn, but a sin transmitted from generation to generation by birth. All men and women are born with original sin, and only Baptism can wash it away. Baptism can be regarded as a vaccine against sin.
For Couples who have given birth to their first child, it is the policy of our parish that they take part in Baptismal Preparation Mentorship. The process for taking part in this mentoring is as follows:

1. Family should contact the parish office

2. The Parish Office will take the name, address and phone number of the family.

3. The office staff will contact a mentor couple who will then contact the family.

4. A letter will be sent to the family giving the name and phone number of the mentor couple who will call the family and schedule a meeting either in their home or in the parish center.

5. The Mentor Couple will bring packets of information and help the family through prayer, instruction and forms needed completing.

6. The Mentor Couple will return all necessary information to the parish office.

Mentor Couples click here
Recognizing the role of Godparents

Every person being baptized must have a sponsor, traditionally called a godparent. You must have at least one sponsor, but usually infants get one of each gender and often from each side of the family. Please refer to the guidelines below.

The role of godparents has a very practical history. Godparents took over rearing children orphaned when their parents died prematurely. Today, being a godparent carries with it no legal right or ecclesiastical authority to the custody of children. Being a godparent, besides giving Christmas and birthday gifts every year, really means actively giving good Christian witness and example and being a role model and support by regularly and faithfully practicing the religion.
Eligibility For Baptism Godparent
  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Have received the Sacraments of Initiation; namely Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
  • If married, your marriage must have been witnessed by a Catholic priest or special exception approved by the Archbishop.
  • Presently active in the practice of the faith by regularly attending Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation and receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist frequently.

Baptism Godparent Eligibility Form

Please complete this form, print it, sign it, and take it to YOUR parish for your parish priest’s signature and parish seal.
baptism_-_godparent_eligibility.pdf
File Size: 109 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Visit the R.E.P. page for more information
Baptisms are held on the first and third Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm in the church.

The schedule for this year is listed below.


​2019 Baptism Schedule

2019 Baptism Schedule
JANUARY:    6    &    20
FEBRUARY:    3    &    17
MARCH:    3    &    17
APRIL:    7
MAY:    5    &    19
JUNE:    2    &    16
JULY:    7    &    21
AUGUST:    4    &    18
SEPTEMBER:    1    &    15
OCTOBER:    6    &    20
NOVEMBER:    3    &    17
DECEMBER:    1    &    15
St. Joan of Arc Parish Office
305 West Areba Ave.
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: 717.533.7168    
​Fax: 717.520.0526 
Email: office@stjoanhershey.org
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
359 West Areba Ave.
Hershey, PA 17033

View Mass Times
St. Joan of Arc School
329 West Areba Ave.
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: 717.533.2854
Website: school.stjoanhershey.org
© St. Joan of Arc 2018. All Rights Reserved. St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church is a 501(c)3 organization.