Baptism

Infant Baptism

It is with great joy that Our Lady of Perpetual Help assists parents with preparation for the baptism of their baby.

Baptisms at OLPH are celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays except during Lent. The schedule may vary, so please call 847.729.1525 to confirm a desired date.

Families who want to have their child baptized by a priest or deacon who is not part of the OLPH staff will be accommodated. Baptisms with a visiting priest or deacon are scheduled depending on church availability.

You must confirm the date of the baptism with the Parish before making further plans. Baptism dates do fill up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for baptism?

For a child to be baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, there must be a basis for hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In practice, this generally means that at least one parent is Catholic. If you wish to have your child baptized at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, you must be a registered member of the parish.
In addition, if this is your first time bringing a child forward for baptism, it is a requirement of the Archdiocese of Chicago that both parents participate in one baptism preparation session. At OLPH, the preparation sessions are usually held on the third Thursday of each month. If you have already had a child baptized at OLPH, you need not attend the preparation session again unless you would like to. Each child brought forward for baptism must also have at least one godparent who is a confirmed, practicing Catholic over the age of 16.

At what age are children usually baptized?

There is no age limit, but at OLPH, infants are generally baptized between three and six months old. We offer baptismal preparation designed to meet the needs of older children and their parents. Please contact Gloria Gaughan at 847.729.1525 ext. 109 regarding the baptism of older children.

What about single parents or parents who weren't married in the church?

OLPH welcomes every parent to bring your child forward for baptism, no matter what your circumstances may be. Parents who were not married in the Roman Catholic Church might consider the possibility of having your marriage convalidated in the church; parish staff will gladly assist you in that process, though it is not necessary for baptizing your child.

Is there a fee?

Many parents like to give a “thanksgiving offering” at the time of the child’s baptism. No fee is required, but we suggest an offering of $50 or more, if that feels right to you. Contributions help fund the preparation program, as well as the paperwork and supplies involved. You may make your offering on the day of the baptism or mail it in to the church office. The offering goes to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, not to the celebrant of the sacrament.