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Godparents
Godparents join the parents in presenting the child for baptism, and help the child to lead a Christian life in harmony with the sacraments. They "must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized child...on the road of Christian life." (CCC 1255) A child needs only one godparent, male or female, or one of each (Code of Canon Law 873). The second godparent may be non-Catholic Christian, but only acts as witness, and only if the primary godparent is Catholic (Code of Canon Law 873§2) meeting the requirements listed below (Code of Canon Law 873§1).
Canon Law 874 §1 requires that godparents be:- Designated by the parents
- At least 16 years old
- Fully initiated Catholics (received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist)
- A member of the Catholic Church
- One godparent, male or female; but here may be two, one of each sex.
- Not bound by any canonical penalty
- Leading lives of faith befitting the role
- Not parents of the child
Godparents must complete the Attestation Form. (ENGLISH SPANISH) -
VIDEOS FOR BAPTISM PREPARATION:
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Contact Us
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Colleen Morrisoncmorrisonbofsa.orgDirector of Religious Education
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We welcome you and your child to this beautiful sacrament! Baptism is a sign of the sacred, confers grace, is a celebration of Christ's life, and is the beginning of a deep relationship; a vital union with the risen Lord.
Baptism Preparation and Scheduling- The Basilica of Saint Andrew requires parents to attend one Baptism Preparation Class before the baptism of their child.
- Baptisms are celebrated by Father Kevin Segerblom, Father Andrew Clark, Deacon Dan Derringer, or Deacon Michael Anctil. Baptisms during Mass are generally celebrated at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass or at 1:00 pm after the Mass, according to the schedule below.
- To ensure a prayerful and well-organized celebration, baptisms are currently limited to four (4) children per Mass and five (5) children per 1:00 p.m. baptism session.
Required Forms and Registration
Godparents must complete a Godparent Attestation Form (ENGLISH ~or~ SPANISH). It is the responsibility of each godparent to:- Complete the form.
- Have it signed by their pastor or the pastor's delegate.
- Return the completed form to The Basilica of Saint Andrew at least one week before the baptism.
Parents must complete a Baptism Information Form, which may be submitted online HERE. If you prefer a paper copy, it may be mailed, faxed, or completed during the Baptism Preparation Class.
Parents must also register for a Baptism Preparation Class HERE, if neither parent has attended a preparation class within the past two years. Godparents are encouraged, but not required, to attend as well.
All required forms must be received by the Parish Office at least one week before the scheduled baptism.
Returning Forms
Please return completed forms by mail or in person to:
The Basilica of Saint Andrew
Attn: Colleen Morrison
631 N. Jefferson St.
Roanoke, VA 24016
~OR~
Fax: 540-344-7879
Attn: Colleen Morrison
Reserving a Baptism Date
To reserve a baptism date, please complete the online registration forms, call the Parish Office at 540-344-9814 ext. 124, or email Colleen Morrison.
Because space is sometimes limited, we encourage families to register as early as possible. Early registration helps ensure that your family can be accommodated on your preferred baptism date.
BAPTISM WEEKENDS FOR 2026:- January 11 - during the 11:30 Mass
- February 15 - 1:00 pm
- April 19 - during the 11:30 Mass (FULL - Please choose another date)
- May 17 - 1:00 pm (FULL - Please choose another date)
- June 14 - during the 11:30 Mass
- July 19 - 1:00 pm (FULL - Please choose another date)
- August 16 - during the 11:30 Mass
- September 27 - 1:00 pm
- October 11 - during the 11:30 Mass (FULL - Please choose another date)
- November 15 - 1:00 pm
BAPTISM PREPARATION SESSIONS FOR 2026:
(Baptism preparation classes last approximately 90 minutes. Please choose a session that fits your schedule. All preparation sessions take place in the Youth Room, which is in the lower level of the Parish Center across from the classrooms.)- Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 am
- Tuesday, April 14 at 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 pm
- Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 am
- Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 pm
- Sunday, October 4 at 1:00 pm
- Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00 pm
BAPTISM WEEKENDS FOR 2027:- January 10 - during the 11:30 Mass
- February 7 - 1:00 pm
- April 11 - during the 11:30 Mass
- May 23 - 1:00 pm
- June 13 - during the 11:30 Mass
- July 18 - 1:00 pm
- August 22 - during the 11:30 Mass
- September 26 - 1:00 pm
- October 17 - during the 11:30 Mass
- November 14 - 1:00 pm
BAPTISM PREPARATION SESSIONS FOR 2027:
(Baptism preparation classes last approximately 90 minutes. Please choose a session that fits your schedule. All preparation sessions take place in the Youth Room, which is in the lower level of the Parish Center across from the classrooms.)- Tuesday, January 5 at 6:30 pm
- Sunday, January 31 at 1:00 pm
- Tuesday, April 6 at 6:30 pm
- Sunday, May 9 at 1:00 pm
- Sunday, June 6 at 1:00 pm
- Sunday, July 11 at 1:00 pm
- Tuesday, August 10 at 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, September 7 at 7:00 pm
- Sunday, October 3 at 1:00 pm
- Sunday, November 7 at 1:00 pm
Sacramental Photography Policy: The Basilica of Saint Andrew has a policy that does not allow professional photographers to take pictures of Baptisms during Mass. We want our parishioners to fully experience the sacred nature of the Mass and the reception of the sacrament without the distraction of a photographer present. You are welcome to do pictures after Mass either in the Church or on the Church grounds. Photographers for a Baptism outside of Mass at 1:00 pm will be handled on an individual basis. Please send those requests to [email protected] at least one month in advance.