INFORMACIÓN Y REGISTRO DE BAUTISMO EN ESPAÑOL
We appreciate your inquiry regarding the Sacrament of Baptism for your child.
Our Christian community is pleased that you have expressed interest in having your child baptized at St. Anthony of Padua. The following information provides guidelines for the Sacrament of Baptism for your child, their parents, and sponsors.
As parents, imparting the Church’s faith in God’s love and the values taught by Jesus Christ are among the most significant contributions you can make to help your child develop into a healthy adult and become the person God intends them to be.
Because sacraments are a unique encounter with God, intended to fortify our lives of discipleship, the Church must prepare individuals to celebrate the sacraments in a manner that allows them to experience them fully. In the context of a child’s baptism, it is essential to ensure that the child’s parents/grandparents and godparents fully understand the significance of the sacrament and their responsibilities in assisting the child’s growth as a dedicated Christian who actively practices the faith of the Church. Therefore, the Church must ensure this preparation.
Research indicates that parents exercise the most significant influence on their children’s faith development and the practice of their faith throughout their growth. For this reason, preparation for Baptism can help parents fully embrace their roles as primary educators of faith and in raising their children to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Raising your child within the Catholic faith is an inspiring journey, and the Church is pleased to offer its assistance.
The following guidelines are provided to support you as you embark on this journey of faith with Christ and His Church.
Infant Baptisms (Children ages 0-6)
For a child to be baptized, the parents must consent to the Baptism Celebration and agree to raise their child in the practice of the Catholic Faith.
“To fulfill the true meaning of the Sacrament, children must later be formed in the faith in which they have been baptized.” (Rite of Baptism, no. 3)
GENERAL INFORMATION
– Baptism ceremonies are celebrated on Saturdays at 9 am (our baptism coordinator will assist you with scheduling a baptism date).
– Baptism Classes in Room #22 (school building) are offered on the First Monday of the month at 6pm (dates and registration in the link below).
REQUIRED AND CHOOSING CATHOLIC GODPARENTS (SPONSORS)
At least one active and confirmed Roman Catholic Godparent must agree with the teachings of the Church. Canon Law: cc 872-874
REQUIREMENTS FOR A CATHOLIC GODPARENT (SPONSOR):
- If two Godparents are chosen, they must be of the opposite sex, a male and a female.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Eucharist, and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
- They must be practicing Catholics who attend Sunday Mass regularly.
- If married, MUST be married in the Catholic Church.
- If single, MUST NOT be living with a partner (civil marriage not valid).
- Not be the father or mother of the one being baptized.
CHRISTIAN WITNESS:
A BAPTIZED person who belongs to another Christian tradition can be chosen not as a sponsor but ONLY AS A WITNESS OF THE BAPTISM, along with a Catholic Godparent/Sponsor, who will accompany the ceremony and must be of the opposite sex of the Godparent/Sponsor. Please note that a non-baptized person cannot be a witness. [Canon # 874.2]
PROCESS FOR SCHEDULING THE BAPTISM FOR YOUR CHILD:
1. BAPTISM CLASS: Parents and godparents are required to attend the baptismal class in person before completing the Baptismal Registration form.
The Baptismal Class takes place every First Monday of the month @ 6 pm in RM#22 (school building)
BAPTISMAL CLASS FEE EACH SPONSOR $15.00
Please be advised that to proceed with the Baptism Registration, a digital copy of your child’s Birth Certificate and Class Completion for both parents and godparents (sponsors) is required.
If the Baptism Class was held at a parish other than St. Anthony of Padua, please provide a digital copy for each participant.
2. BAPTISM REGISTRATION: After completing the baptismal class, you may register your child for Baptism below:
PARENTS: Use the link below to register your child for baptism.
3. BAPTISMAL SCHEDULING FEE
Upon completing the Baptism Registration Form, you will be redirected to our secure online payment page to pay the $50.00 Child Baptism Scheduling fee.
Children aged 7 years and older, as well as adults seeking baptism, are required to participate in our Rite of Christian Initiation program.
Click here for BAPTISM information: for children 7 years and older through 6th grade
Click here for BAPTISM information: for teens in 7th & 8th grade
Click here for BAPTISM information: for teens in High School
Click here for BAPTISM information: for adults
Why is the BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS necessary?
“The parents of an infant to be baptized and those who are to undertake the function of the sponsor are to be instructed properly on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attached to it.” Canon Law c 851.2
For further inquiries, please contact Teri Loera in the Parish Office at 439-0124 ext. 102
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3