Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! We are thankful you are considering the importance of faith in both your child’s life and your own and hoping you desire nothing less than sainthood for them! We are here to assist you with your child's first step toward a life of faith and holiness.

The Administratice Assistant is the St. Mary's Sacrament Coordinator.
Please call or email with any questions or to get your requirements fulfilled. 
Office: 715-629-0154     Email: parishoffice@stmbigriver.diolcparish.org 

The first step to having your child receive the Sacrament of Baptism at St. Mary’s is to call the Parish Office for more information, for an appointment to meet with the pastor, and to schedule your child’s Baptism. 

A Parent Baptism Preparation class with the Pastor be required for first time parents. This class will prepare you on the theology of the sacrament, go over the Rite of Baptism that you will celebrate, and set a path toward fulfilling the vow you will make of raising your child in the Catholic faith. The class uses the program REBORN.  If you would like to watch this program at home, visit FORMED.org and find the program called REBORN.   
 
Choosing Godparents: Parents must choose a least one godparent; there may be two, one of each gender.  A godparent must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church, at least 16 years of age, and confirmed in the Catholic church.  If married, their marriage needs to have been blessed sacramentally in the Catholic church.  Godparents should complete the godparent covenant form and return it to the parish office. A person baptized in another Christian faith may stand as a Christian witness, but not as a godparent. A profession of faith will be made during the service.
 
Baptisms are usually held during the 9:30 am Sunday Mass. 

Adults wishing to receive the Sacrament of Baptism should also contact the Parish Office to set up a time to meet with the pastor.

This is a wonderful and exciting time for your family, and we at St. Mary’s - Big River Parish look forward to being part of the faith journey with you and your child.