Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
First Time Baptism?
Please contact Fr. Gary Caster at frcaster@ottawacatholic.org or (815)433-0700 to schedule a baptism class. Fr. Caster will explain the theology of baptism in an engaging class of approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Then, please fill out the baptism registration form below and email it to the Parish Office at ottawacatholiccommunity@gmail.com.
Afterwards, please contact Msgr. Merdian (msgrmerdian@ottawacatholic.org) or Fr. Wilson (frwilson@ottawacatholic.org) to schedule a follow-up meeting.
After that meeting, simply prayerfully prepare for the date of your child's baptism!
Not Your First Baptism?
Please contact Msgr. Merdian (msgrmerdian@ottawacatholic.org), Fr. Caster (frcaster@ottawacatholic.org), or Fr. Wilson (frwilson@ottawacatholic.org) to schedule a baptism meeting to check in concerning godparents and other important items related to baptisms.
Then, please fill out the baptism registration form above and email it to the Parish Office at ottawacatholiccommunity@gmail.com.
After that meeting, simply prayerfully prepare for the date of your child's baptism!

Baptism Forms and Information
After speaking with a priest, click below for the baptism registration form.
Forms should be returned to the parish office at 122 W. Washington St., Ottawa, IL 61350
or emailed to ottawacatholiccommunity@gmail.com