BAPTISM: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I begin the Process?

You can begin the process by filling out the Baptism Inquiry Form here:

Fill Out Online Baptism Inquiry Form

 ...or by calling the Parish Office (337-232-1322) and asking for Mrs. Danielle Huval. 

What if I am not a registered parishioner of St. John Cathedral Parish, can I still have my child baptized here?

Canon Law states that sacraments are to be administered in one’s home Church Parish.  Therefore, if you are not officially registered as a parishioner of St. John Cathedral, you must provide a written Letter of Permission, from your Pastor of the Church Parish where you are registered, stating the following:

• Declaring that you are an active, registered parishioner with your parish Church;

• That you are in good standing with the Catholic Church;

• That the Pastor gives permission for your child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism here at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

This must be provided BEFORE a Baptism can be scheduled

How do I know what Catholic Church Parish I belong to?

Your physical home address constitutes the Church Parish you should register with.  However, you can choose to register with a Catholic Church Parish outside of your geographical area.  In order to be considered a Catholic in good standing you must be committed to a Catholic Church Parish so as to ensure that you and your family members are both sharing and benefiting from reception of the Sacrament and overall life of the Church Community.

If you are new to Lafayette and would like to find out which Catholic Church is located in your geographical boundaries you can call any local Catholic Church or go to diolaf.org and click on “PARISHES” and then on “PARISH FINDER”.

When and where do Baptisms take place?

Baptisms are normally held on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00AM and Saturdays (following the 4:00PM Mass).  Baptisms are held in the Cathedral.

Who celebrates the Baptism?

A Cathedral Parish priest or deacon celebrates the Baptism.  If you request a priest or deacon whose assignment is not in the Diocese of Lafayette, a Letter of Suitability for the priest of deacon is required from the Bishop of that celebrant’s diocese stating that the celebrant is in good standing.  It is the responsibility of parents to obtain and present this letter to St. John Cathedral no later than two weeks before the Baptism.

Who is required to take the Sacrament of Baptism Preparation Class?

Both parents and both godparents are required to attend when they are first-time parents or godparents.  Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are not offering in-person classes at this time.    We are utilizing virtual resources to prepare parents and godparents for baptism.  You can explore them here: https://diolaf.org/preparation-for-infant-baptism. 
If you are unable to attend the class here at the Cathedral, it is the responsibility of the parent/godparent to arrange to attend a class at another Catholic Church Parish.  A signed official certificate of attendance from the parish where the class was taken must be turned in two weeks prior to the scheduled Baptism.

What if one parent is not a Catholic?

In the event of a mixed religion marriage, the non-Catholic party must remember his/her commitment made to the Church at their wedding ceremony in promising to raise the children as Catholic.  One parent must be a baptized Catholic.

What if the parents are not legally married?

If the parents are unmarried, we will not be able to list the name of the father of the child unless we receive either 1)a copy of the State Certificate of Live Birth listing the father’s name, or 2) a legal copy defined by Canon Lawy 877, which reads: the name of the father is to be entered if his paternity is established either by some public document or by his own declaration in the presence of the parish priest and two witnesses.  This sworn statement must be notarized.  Either one of the public documents must be provided at least two weeks prior to the Baptism taking place.