INFANT BAPTISM PROGRAM
The baptism of a child offers parents a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their own Christian life and spirituality. It signifies the child’s initiation into the Christian community and the beginning of their spiritual journey.
This moment invites parents to renew their faith and consider the role of their religious beliefs in daily life. By bringing their child to the church for baptism, parents commit to raising their child in the Christian faith, nurturing their spiritual growth, and guide them in the teachings of Christ. It’s a time to deepen your spiritual connection and reflect on the values you wish to impart to your child.
Steps to Begin the Process:
- Visit the Parish:
- Parents need to visit the parish to fill out a registration form. The form includes details such as the child’s name, date of birth, parents’ names, and contact information.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Along with the registration form, parents must submit the child’s birth certificate and a $100 donation.
- Child’s birth certificate.
- Godparent’s confirmation certificate or Catholic Church wedding certificate.
- Baptismal Class:
- Parents and Godparents are required to attend the baptismal class, which is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. Spanish is on 4th Sunday of the month at 4:00 PM.
- Schedule the Baptism:
- The celebration of the Sacrament takes place on the 4th Saturday of each month at 10 AM in the church. Spanish baptisms are on the first Saturday of the month.
Infant Baptism Frequently Asked Questions:
- What else is required to have my child baptized?
- Parents and Godparents are required to participate in a class that explains the Sacrament and the commitment that is part of baptizing a child.
- What about Godparents?
- Families typically choose two godparents who will commit to helping the parents in their journey as fully participating Catholic parents.
- At least one godparent must be a fully initiated (baptized and confirmed), currently practicing Catholic, who is at least eighteen years old.
- While some cultures have many godparents, only two are the primary godparents who participate in the ceremony and have their names recorded in the Church Records and on the Baptismal Certificate.
- What should my child wear?
- It is traditional for the child to wear white for the baptism. The entire family is encouraged to dress nicely and appropriately for this solemn occasion.
Godparent Requirements:
- Confirmed in the Catholic faith.
- Over the age of 18.
- Actively practicing the Catholic Faith.
For more information or to get started, please contact our parish office. We look forward to supporting you and your family in this important spiritual milestone.
YOUTH BAPTISM & FIRST EUCHARIST
Elementary school-aged children who wish to be baptized in the Catholic Church participate in a two-year preparation process that parallels the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. After at least two years of preparation—this period may vary based on each child’s readiness and desire—the child will be baptized and receive First Eucharist at the same time.
This process requires faithful participation in Religious Education classes at the child’s grade level. The first year focuses on integrating the child into the Catholic community, teaching them how to talk about God and their experiences with Him and the Church. Weekly participation in Mass is expected for the entire family to support the child’s spiritual journey.
The Sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist are celebrated together as part of a weekend Mass during the Easter Season. For more information or to enroll your child, please contact our parish office. We look forward to guiding your child on this meaningful path of faith.
CATECHISM ON THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Holy Baptism is the foundation of the entire Christian life, serving as the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door to access the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are cleansed from sin and reborn as children of God. We become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and share in its mission. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Baptism as the sacrament of regeneration through water and the word (CCC, #1213).
To understand more about the Catechism on the Sacrament of Baptism, you can print out our “Understanding the Catechism of Baptism” resource sheet. This resource provides comprehensive insights and explanations to help deepen your knowledge of this foundational sacrament.