The Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven.  Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)  

Parents should schedule their child's Baptism either before or soon after the child’s birth.  The child does not have to be born to prepare for the Baptism.  Baptisms are generally celebrated at St. Paul's on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 1:30 pm in the Church.  Instruction classes for parents [and godparents] are on the last Wednesday of the month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Please, call the rectory (845)268-4464 for location and further details. 

Godparents /Sponsors:

A godparent/sponsor assumes a very serious obligation.  At a Baptism a godparent responds for the infant renouncing Satan, his works, and empty promises.  The sponsor expresses faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the child's name.  A sponsor does the same with his/her godchild at Confirmation.  Other duties of a godparent/sponsor are to pray for his/her godchild, to be an example of integrity and sincerity in practicing the Catholic Faith, and, if the child's parents are unable, to see to it that the child is educated according to the teaching of the Catholic Church.  In order to fulfill such duties, the Church maintains certain conditions are a prerequisite for a godparent/sponsor.

1. One must be a Catholic.
2. One must have received all the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation.
3. One must be 14 years of age or older.
4. One must practice the Catholic faith by:
a. believing all the Church teaches on matters of faith and morals,
b. participating in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (unless hindered because of some illness),
c. fulfilling one's Easter Duty,
d. being a single person not giving scandal by one's way of life; or a person married with the blessing of the Catholic Church.

Sponsor certificates are ordinarily issued by a parish priest or deacon, during office hours Monday to Friday, to parishioners who have been registered at St. Paul for at least 3 months. Please contact the rectory office.