Baptism

Baptism at St. Ignatius of Loyola

Baptism is the first and most fundamental sacrament of the Christian life, welcoming individuals into the faith community and opening the door to other sacraments. Whether you are seeking baptism for an infant, an older child, or yourself as an adult, St. Ignatius of Loyola is honored to accompany you on this sacred journey.

Baptizing Your Child

If you would like to have your child baptized at St. Ignatius of Loyola, please follow these steps:

1. Complete the Baptism Registration Form

Fill out and submit the Baptism Registration Form to the parish.

2. Provide Required Documentation

A copy of your child’s Birth Certificate or Legal Adoption Documentation is required. You may submit it in one of the following ways:

Mail it to:
St. Ignatius of Loyola
4103 Prices Distillery Road
Ijamsville, MD 21754
Attn: Baptism
Drop it off in the Parish Drop Box, located in the foyer of Building B.
Scan and email it to Deacon Larry Matheny at LMatheny@archbalt.org.

3. Select Godparents and Submit Required Forms

Catholic godparents must complete the Godparent Letter of Eligibility form, which must be signed and sealed by their home parish. This form must be returned to St. Ignatius at least two weeks before the baptism.

If one godparent is a baptized Christian of another faith, they must complete the Christian Witness Form, which also needs to be submitted at least two weeks before the baptism.

4. Attend a Baptism Preparation Class

Both parents and godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class before the baptism.

Classes are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month in the Parish Media Center (Building C).
Families may schedule the baptism date during the class.

Adult Baptism (RCIA Program)

If you are an adult seeking baptism, we invite you to join our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. Through RCIA, you will explore the Catholic faith and prepare to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
For more information, visit our Becoming Catholic page.

Becoming a Godparent

Serving as a godparent is both an honor and a commitment to supporting a child’s faith journey.

Godparent Requirements (Per Canon Law)

Must be appointed by the parents or the one being baptized
Must be at least 16 years old
Must have received Confirmation and First Holy Communion
Must be living a faithful Catholic life
Cannot be the child’s parent

If you are asked to be a godparent at St. Ignatius of Loyola, you will need:
A Godparent Certification Form signed and sealed by your home parish. [Download the form here.]

A Christian Witness Form (for baptized Christians of other faiths). [Download the form here.]

For registered St. Ignatius parishioners, our priests can endorse your certification after Sunday Mass or during office hours.

Scheduling and Contact Information

Baptism ceremonies are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Baptism Preparation Classes take place on the second and fourth Saturdays.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact: Parish Office: 301-695-8845

We look forward to celebrating this joyful sacrament with you and your family.