Council's monthly baptism schedule and procedure
| Name | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | May 2026 | Jun 2026 |
| Mike Kunigonis | X | |||
| Ken Blankenbuehler | X | |||
| Rich Gisondi | X | |||
| Jim Copenheaver | X |
At St. Joseph Church in Somers Point, the Knights of Columbus assist the priests and deacons with the sacrament of Baptism. This is especially important when we have a visiting priest. The role we play is welcoming and thankful to the family and friends. We do not confer baptism but rather assist the Baptismal minister. Our role is whatever the minister needs us to do. This will change with each presiding minister. They each have their own style and we need to accommodate that style. The following are some tidbits to follow. Our role should be consistent but not mandatory or rigid.
The mother should receive a complimentary rose. The father should receive the K of C scroll with the Baptized name on it. We also provide a rosary given by the Altar and Rosary Society (they will provide and be in the sanctuary). We present the rose/scroll to the parents and make a brief welcome/thank you talk.
The normal process prior to the Church event is as follows:
- Jim Copenheaver will email Jackie in the church office (ohnojackieo@aol.com) at the end of the month to obtain the baptism schedule for the following month and forward it to the assigned Knight.
- Call the Acme Floral department (609-653-6853, ext. 4) or ShopRite (609-927-8133, Floral department, ext. 1901 before 1:00 p.m.) to order rose(s) and indicate male or female for color ribbon.
- Print baptismal scroll in color on blue or pink paper. If no color printer, text or call Ken Blankenbuehler and he will print the scroll in English, Spanish or both.
- Pick up rose(s) at appointed time at Acme/ShopRite.
- Arrive at church 15-20 minutes early to help set up.
- Move baptismal font and paschal candle (if needed based on priest, Father Jaromir likes it moved to the center of the church). Warm water goes in the baptismal font.
- Light the paschal candle.
- Put baptism cup and towel(s) at baptism font.
- Get candle(s) and baptism garment(s) for couple during ceremony and put at priest table.
- Get oils and two (2) cotton balls and put at priest table.
- If the baptism candidate is older, ask the minister if they want the step stool by the baptismal font.
Phone Numbers and Emails:
Ken Blankenbuehler 609-226-2750 kcblank63@gmail.com
Jim Copenheaver 609-513-1577 jim.copenheaver@gmail.com
Richard Gisondi 609-214-4285 ragisondi@gmail.com
Mike Kunigonis 609-703-5146 mikekunigonis@comcast.net
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