Baptism
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Door of the Church
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The Sacrament of Baptism is often called the "Door of the Church" because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church.
For Catholics, the sacrament is not a mere formality; it is the very mark of a Christian, because it brings us into new life in Christ.
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Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism Preparation Class
Completion of a Baptism Preparation Class is required before a baptism can be scheduled. The class is offered quarterly. Also, parents who have not participated in a Baptismal Preparation Class within the past four years are required to participate prior to the baptism of their next child. Information on registering can be found further down on this page.Scheduling a Baptism
Making arrangements to schedule a baptism begins with calling the Parish Administrative Office at 724-775-6363, EXT. 101.Choosing Godparents
Canon #874 of the Code of Canon Law states: “To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor (for baptism), a person must:- Be a role model for living the Catholic Faith
- Be appointed by the parents and must have the intention of performing this role
- Be at least sixteen years of age
- Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the blessed Eucharist and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken (attendance at Mass regularly)
- Not labor under a canonical penalty (being in an invalid marriage or living together) and not in a valid marriage
- Not be either the father or the mother of the child
In view of these guidelines, the pastor of the designated godparent is normally responsible for determining these qualifications. If you choose a godparent who is a member of a parish other than Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, he/she must obtain a letter of eligibility from the pastor of his/her parish. This original letter is to be delivered to the parish office at least two weeks prior to the baptismal date. Faxes, photocopies, and emails will not be accepted.
Baptismal Record
After the baptism, the information will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. Before your child's entry to Catholic school or religious profession; reception of the sacraments of confirmation, marriage, or ordination in years to come, you will be asked for an updated copy of the baptismal Information.
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Baptism Preparation Class
To complete an online form to register for a MQS Baptism Preparation Class you would like to attend, click on the corresponding class date button below.
Class on January 19, 2026, will beginning at 6 PM, with a dinner served. The location is St. John the Baptist, Pastoral Center.January 19, 2026
Completion of this class is required before the baptism can be scheduled.
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Baptism
This video presentation is meant to help one understand how Jesus washes us of Original Sin and makes us adopted children of the Father, how Baptism was prefigured in the Old Testament, and why it is necessary for salvation. It also demonstrates the way Baptism makes the baptized a member of the Church, forming bonds of Christian unity and imprinting an indelible mark on the soul.
(The video is part of a service from the Sophia Institute for Teachers).
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