Baptisms During COVID-19

Preparation 

Please contact Deacon Eric Schorr to set up an online meeting (details below).
Baptism Formation Evenings (see below) will be held online.

Diocesan Guidelines to Keep Everyone Safe During Your Child's Baptism

• Only one family will be scheduled for a baptism at a time.
• There are to be no more than twenty-five people in attendance (includes the parents, child, godparents, and the priest or deacon celebrating the baptism).
• Six feet of social distance is required by those in attendance who are not living in the same household while they are in the church.
• Anyone who is showing signs of illness is to stay home.
• Those who are at highest risk for infection (i.e. those who are older and/or have underlying health conditions) should stay home.
• Upon entering the church, individuals are to sanitize their hands.
• Individuals are to wear a mask inside of the church (those under two years of age should not wear a mask).
• While in the church, the parents are to hold the child, no one else.
• The parents of the child, the godparents, and the celebrant are to santize their hands immediately before the baptism ritual begins.
• Pictures during the baptism are to be taken while maintaining social distance.  No photos are to be taken after the baptism inside of the church. Taking photos outside is encouraged.

We’re so happy that you’re having your baby baptized at

St. Michael the Archangel Parish!

We know that this is a very exciting time for you and your family and we rejoice with you. Here’s what you need to know:

• For the good of your child, the Church asks that infants are baptized soon after birth:  Can.  867 §1. Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth."

• If this is your first baby, before the baby is born, email Deacon Eric Schorr eschorr@smapgh.org to set up a time to meet. Your meeting with Deacon Eric gives you the opportunity to meet with a parish staff member to learn more about our parish and having your child baptized. We want to get to know your family better!
   
• After your meeting with Deacon Eric if this is your first baby, you will attend our Baptism Formation Evening for New Parents. These evenings are held every-other-month. You will receive the dates of the baptism formation evening when you call to set up a meeting with Deacon Eric.
   
• You will be able to schedule your baby’s baptism after you have met with Deacon Eric and attended the Baptism Formation Evening.
   
• If this is not your first baby to be baptized and it has been more than three years since you have attended our new parent formation evening, please contact Deacon Eric to set up a meeting before the baby is born.
   
• If this is not your first baby to be baptized and it has not been three years since you have attended our new parent formation evening, please call the rectory office at 412-561-3300 to schedule your baby's baptism.

 We look forward to seeing you!