St. Isidore Parish
Baptism Coordinator Instructions
Updated March 20, 2013
Before MassWater Heater / Located downstairs in the back closet. Set to the 1:00 position at least one hour before mass (If the closet is locked, the keys should be in the sacristy in the drawer under the locked top cabinet.)
Setup / Pew / 1 large towel
Reserve signs (both ends of pew). Tape is in sacristy.
Altar / Small pedestal with 1 small glass dish (from sacristy cabinets) and 1 finger towel.
Rear of church / Changing table with 2 large towels (1 to cover changing table pad and 1 to dry off baby)
On small table in the rear, place the certificates, baptismal candle and 1 big shell and hand towel (to be moved to the baptismal font after mass begins)
1 small glass dish for Chrism
Easter Candle / Light with matches from the usher’s closet in entry. During the Easter season the candle will already be lighted near the altar.
Greet Family / Remind parents to sit at the end of the pew.
Remind parents to undress their baby during the Homily.
Remind parents and godparents that priest/deacon will ask them before mass begins “what name they give the child? And what they ask for the child?”
Have parents and godparents wait in the back of the church in order to process in after the cross and candle bearers. As mass is about to start, line them up on the side with the reconciliation room, parents in front and godparents right behind them.
During Mass
After the Homily / Place hand towel and shell on the baptismal font.
Give the baptismal gown to the godmother.
During baptism / Use shell to create waterfall while priest/deacon blesses the water. Stop when priest/deacon puts hand in the water.
After the blessing of the gown hand hand candles to priest/deacon to be given to the godfather. During Easter season take large candle up and light it from Easter candle and return.
After baptism / Help family dress baby (if needed).
Remind parents to sit at the end of the pew for final blessing.
Pass out the gifts for the family to bring to the altar.
Remind godfather to keep the candle light until he gets back to pew
Dry the tile floor around the baptismal font with an extra towel.
After Mass
Pass out the certificates to the parents and godparents.
Put everything away. The towels can be placed in the laundry baskets.
Turn the water heater off.