Baptism is the initiation into the Church, the Body of Christ.  For a Catholic understanding of baptism see here.  For adults who wish to receive baptism, check out our RCIA program.

If you wish to bring your child to the church for baptism, congratulations!  Parents wishing to have their child baptized into our Catholic community must contact the parish office in advance to make the necessary arrangements (570-253-4561).  Baptisms are usually celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at St. John’s church after the 10:30 AM Mass.  However, a family may request any of our four churches.

One of the child’s sponsors (Godparents) must be a practicing Catholic, while one may be a Christian witness from another Christian faith tradition.  Please see this important note regarding Catholic godparents.  Sponsor forms must be signed and dropped off or sent to the parish office.  Any sponsor who is not a member of our parish must have a statement sent from his or her pastor noting that he or she an active member of their church.  Baptisms of children are usually celebrated at St. John the Evangelist church after the 10:30 AM Mass.

Participation in a parish Baptismal Preparation Program is required for first time parents; it is strongly recommended that this be done during the pregnancy. Baptismal Prep classes are usually held on the first Sunday in March, June, September, and November at 2:00 PM in the Holy Family Hall (underneath St. John’s Church).  Kindly pre-register at the parish office at 570-253-4561.  A helpful booklet is found here.