PARISH READY.
Printable resource for parishes

Baptism Preparation — a one-page insert for your parish office.

A single-page US Letter handout you can include in baptism paperwork packets or bulletins. It covers what preparation is typically required, gives options for out-of-town godparents, and leaves space for your office to add its own requirements. Prints cleanly in black and white.

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The download is generated from the preview below, so what you see is exactly what prints.

For parents & godparents

Preparing for the Baptism of a Child

A short guide from your parish office — what the Church asks of you, and how to complete it well.

I.What the Church typically asks
  1. 01Parents. A baptism preparation class or meeting with the parish, completed before the date is set.
  2. 02Godparents. At least one Catholic godparent, confirmed, in good standing, and able to serve as a witness of the faith (CCC 1255).
  3. 03Sponsor certificate. A letter of eligibility from the godparent's home parish is commonly requested.
  4. 04Documents. The child's civil birth record and the parents' and godparents' preparation certificates.
II.Options for out-of-town godparents
  1. 01Home-parish class. The godparent completes their own parish's preparation and forwards the certificate.
  2. 02Video meeting. Some parishes accept a brief catechetical meeting by video with the pastor or a deacon.
  3. 03Verified online course. An examined, CCC-aligned online course whose certificate your office can verify on the spot — useful when travel or scheduling makes in-person prep impossible.
III.Our parish’s requirements
Parish officeStamp or write requirements & contact
Prepared with reference to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.parishready.com