News & Announcements

Council's monthly baptism schedule and procedure

At St. Josephs church in Somers Point, the Knights of Columbus assists the priest/deacon 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:
  1. Call or email Lisa Weiss in the church office to determine baptisms scheduled (609-927-3568 ext 4, email laweiss1@comcast.net) or email ohnojackieo@aol.com or lbellinger1@comcast.net. Hours are 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday-Friday.
  2. Get the exact name and spelling for the scrolls
  3. Call Karen in Acme Floral department (609-653-6853, ext. 4) or Kim at 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
  4. Print baptismal scroll in color on blue or pink paper. If no color printer, text Ken Blankenbuehler and he will print the scroll in English, Spanish or both.
  5. Pick up rose(s) at appointed time at Shoprite/Acme
  6. Arrive at church 15-20 minutes early to help set up
  7. Move baptismal font and paschal candle (if needed based on priest). Warm water goes in the baptismal font.
  8. Light the paschal candle
  9. Put baptism cup and towel(s) at baptism font
  10. Get candle(s) and baptism garment(s) for couple during ceremony and put at priest table
  11. Get oils and two (2) cotton balls and put at priest table
  12. If the baptism candidate is older, ask the minister if they want the step stool by the baptismal font
  13. Anything else the minister wants

Phone Numbers:                  Mike Kunigonis------------609 703 5146

                                            Ken Blankenbuehler------609 927 0583

                                            Richard Gisondi------------609 214 4285

                                            Jim Copenheaver----------609 513 1577

June 5, 2024 - Academic and Scholarship Awards

Dear Brothers,