Sacraments

Parents known by the pastor and registered with Immaculate Conception for three months can schedule a baptism. If you are a parishioner and are interested in having your child baptized, please contact Mary Stafford in the parish office at marystaffordic@gmail.com or 202-332-8888 for more information about scheduling, baptism preparation classes, and godparent requirements.

If the parents are not parishioners, their pastor must send a letter to Immaculate Conception granting permission to have their child baptized at Immaculate Conception. Visiting clergy must present a letter of suitability from their diocese to the church before the baptism.

Baptisms for infants usually take place Saturdays at 11 or 11:30AM in the church. Please use the baptismal registration form to register your child for the sacrament, which you will receive from the administrative assistant. 

A date for your child’s baptism will be set only after the completed baptism registration form and the sponsor forms have been submitted to Immaculate Conception. If the parents are not able to find eligible godparents, the baptism can still proceed without godparents.

Both parents must attend a baptism preparation class. Classes are offered at Immaculate Conception. Please contact the office for more information.

Godparents (Sponsors)

A godparent plays a pivotal role in a child’s life. As such, a godparent must be:

• At least 16 years of age. 

• A practicing Catholic who has received First Communion and Confirmation, and attends Mass every Sunday. 

• If married, must be married within the Catholic Church. If single, must not be cohabitating with his/her girlfriend or boyfriend. 

• A parishioner registered at Immaculate Conception, worships regularly and has been giving to the parish from their time, talent, or treasure for at least three months. Letters of Good Standing The pastor will issue a letter of good standing for those who meet the requirements to be a godmother or godfather.

The godparent (sponsor) does not have to be present at the baptism. A proxy may stand in his or her place. A non-Catholic Christian may not be a sponsor. That person may participate as a Christian witness but does not replace the sponsor. A Catholic who is not practicing his or her faith cannot participate as a Christian witness or sponsor. Only one godparent is required. If you would like to have two godparents, one must be male and the other must be female (i.e. there cannot be two males or two females).

Marital Status

The parents are the first teachers of their child in the faith. There may be reason to postpone the baptism if the parents are not practicing the faith, or have no intention of living a Catholic life in harmony with the Gospel. If you were married outside of the Catholic Church (not before a priest or deacon), the pastor will set up an appointment with you to explain the process of getting married in the Church.

Letters of Good Standing

The pastor will issue a letter of good standing for those who meet the requirements to be a godmother or godfather.