Baptism / Bautismo

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“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt. 28:19)

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation recognized by the Catholic Church. Baptism frees us from sin, and marks us as reborn children of God. Through baptism, we become members of the body of Christ and his Church.


THE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN

How old are children when they are baptized?

Typically, a child receives the Sacrament of Baptism by their 7th birthday or before “they have attained the use of reason and are of age.” (source: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, paragraph 252).

What is the role and qualifications for Godparents?

“Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)

What process is followed leading up to the baptism?

This is the process that is followed to prepare for the baptism of a child:

  • The parents will select their child's godparents
  • The parents will complete the Baptismal Registration Form.  Along with the form, the following items are to be submitted:
    • A certified copy of the child's birth certificate
    • A donation of $75.00 for each child being baptized
  • Once the registration form is received, the parents will be informed of the date and time of the pre-baptismal class
    • There is one 2-hour long class to attend.
    • Baptism preparation classes are held on the second Tuesday of the month in English, and on the second Wednesday of the month in Spanish.
    • Both parents and both godparents must attend the class
    • If godparents live out of the area, they can take the class or classes that are offered at the parish they attend or any parish in their area, and submit a letter or certificate of completion to our parish
    • The class is waived if parents or godparents have attended classes less than a year ago and can provide a letter or certificate of completion
  • Once the parents have attended the class, they are to contact the Parish Office to select a date for the baptism.
  • Baptisms in English are held on the fourth Saturday of the month; baptisms in Spanish are held on the second Saturday of the month. Typically, baptisms are not held during the liturgical seasons of Advent or Lent.

To download the Baptismal Registration Form in English, click here.


THE BAPTISM OF YOUNG PEOPLE 7 TO 17 YEARS OLD

For young people 7 to 17 years of age, the baptism program is different from the program for young children.  The young person is enrolled in our Faith Formation Program and is prepared to receive the sacrament over a two-year period.  The Sacrament of Baptism is received as one of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation) at our Easter Vigil Mass.

Enrollment in this program takes place only once a year in the summer and fall, and the program begins in September.  To enroll in this program, parents should start by completing the Faith Formation Program registration form.  If registrations are currently being taken, there will be a button to the right that you can click to fill out the registration form.     ________ button   


THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS 18 YEARS AND OLDER

Adults who are 18 years of age and older will receive the Sacrament of Baptism through the process of RCIA.  RCIA stands for the "Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults."  It is a process of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation.  RCIA is a two-year journey where adults typically prepare for all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation).  They receive the sacraments at our Easter Vigil Mass.

RICA sessions begin in September, but anyone who has interest in RCIA can contact us at any time.  To enroll in this program, the person who is interested should fill out the RICA Inquiry Form.  To access this form, click here