The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus.  Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist.  The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin.  However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father.  By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.

Saint Thomas the Apostle Church baptizes infants, adults, and children.  The path to Baptism may look different for each age group, but the same sacrament is offered to all. 

Adults who seek to receive the Initiation Sacraments: Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation normally follow the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). They are often joined by others who were baptized Catholic as a child and are now seeking the remaining Sacraments of Initiation. Any fully initiated Catholics who want to learn more about their faith are most welcome too!  For more information about the RCIA at Saint Thomas, please visit our RCIA page.

Baptism is our formal introduction to the Christian community, a Sacrament of Initiation that unites us to God the Father, and the means by which we are saved. In the Catholic Church, infant Baptism is celebrated anytime from birth until the child reaches the age of reason, typically defined as seven years old. At Saint Ann Church, all parents are required to take a Baptism class to prepare for their child's Baptism. To begin the process of preparing for your child's Baptism, contact the Parish Office.

Learn how to choose a Godparent

The basic requirements of a Godparent at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church:

If you have questions about or need help understanding any of these requirements, please contact the Saint Thomas parish office at 865-986-9885.

The godparent form is due one week prior to Baptism.
 

1. Because the Catholic godparent serves as a role model who will support the candidate on his or her faith journey, he or she must be a Catholic who fully participates in the sacramental life of the Church. Attending a Baptism class is encouraged.
2. The Catholic godparent must be at least sixteen years old and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
3. If married, the godparent is married according to the regulations of the Catholic Church.
4. The godparent cannot be the parent of the candidate.
5. If two godparents are chosen, they must be one male and one female.
6. A non-Catholic Christian may only serve as a Christian witness to a Baptism when the other chosen godparent is Catholic.
7. A form must be completed and signed by the godparent and their pastor, as well as marked with the seal of the church where the godparent is registered.

Baptism is arranged by appointment.