For Baptism and Chrismation:

• Cross – provided by the sponsor  
• White Candle for newly illumined person  
• 1 candle for sponsor (doesn’t need to be big)  
• A NEW set of white clothing, to wear after baptism 

For Baptism, additionally include the following: 

• 1 large NEW white bath towel  
• 1 NEW twin size flat white sheet 
• White undershirt (T-Shirt or Tank-Style shirt for adults, T-shirt or ‘Onesie’ for infants) 
• Bar of soap* 
• Small jar of Olive Oil*  
• A plastic sack to bring home wet items to wash 

*If there are multiple Baptisms scheduled, check with the Altar Servers to see if this is needed 

NOTES: 

Role of the Sponsor/Godparent: 

The role of the Sponsor/Godparent is of utmost importance! The sponsor/Godparent assumes the obligation to catechize the child/adult in the Christian faith and life. After Holy Baptism/Chrismation the sponsor/Godparent ensures that the newly illumined child/adult regularly attends services and receives Holy Communion. Finally, the sponsor/Godparent has the responsibility of leading those entrusted to them onto the path of virtue. That is why it is customary to call the sponsor “spiritual fathers/mothers”.

The Parish bookstore carries Baptismal and Paschal candles made by the Sisters of St. John the Forerunner Monastery; check with the Bookstore to order. Crosses can be ordered online or through the Parish Bookstore. 

It can be difficult to find white pants for men. Khaki or other light colored pants are acceptable. You can also find white painters pants at a paint store such as Sherwin Williams; make sure to remove the blue store label. 

After your Baptism and Chrismation: 

Everything that the baptized person wears in the font and dries off with should be rinsed thoroughly and rinse water poured outside, such as under a bush where it will not be trampled. It may take 3 or 4 rinses in clean water to get as much oil out as possible. (You can use a really large plastic tub to rinse outside). Once as much oil as possible is removed, everything can be washed in the washing machine.  

It is traditional to wait for 3 days before you wash your hair after your Baptism. 

The white candle is used for the 3 Liturgies following your Chrismation or Baptism. The white clothing should be worn to Church for the 3 Liturgies following your Chrismation or Baptism. They can be worn as regular clothes after this period. 

Put the items used at your Baptism (sheet, towel, and candle) into a labeled box to store. These items are traditionally used again at your repose, with the sheet as your burial shroud.