INFORMACIÓN Y REGISTRO DE BAUTISMO EN ESPAÑOL
Thank you for your inquiry about arrangements for the Sacrament of Baptism for your child.
Our Christian Community is pleased that you are interested in having your child baptized at St. Anthony of Padua. The information below includes guidelines for the Sacrament of Baptism for your child, the parents, and the sponsors.
Passing on the Church’s faith in the love of God and the values taught to us by Jesus Christ are among the most important things you can do as a parent to help your child develop into a healthy adult and to become the person that God has created your child to be.
Because a sacrament is a special encounter with God, meant to strengthen our life of discipleship, the Church needs to prepare the person celebrating the sacrament to be properly disposed to experience it. In the case of the baptism of a child, we need to make sure that the child’s parents/grandparents and godparents fully understand the significance of the sacrament and their duties to help the child grow into a serious Christian who actively practices the faith of the Church. For this reason, the church must ensure this preparation.
Research shows that parents are the number one influence on their children’s faith formation and in practicing the faith as they grow to adulthood. For this reason, preparation for Baptism can help parents more fully embrace their role as primary teachers of the faith, and to raise their children to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Bringing up your child in the Catholic faith is an exciting journey and the Church is eager to assist you!
The following guidelines are presented to help you embark upon this journey of faith with Christ and his Church.
Infant Baptisms (Children ages 0-6)
In order for a child to be baptized, it is necessary that parents consent to the Baptism Celebration, and must 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 are offered on the First Monday of the month (call the Baptism Coordinator for class times and location).
CHOOSING CATHOLIC GODPARENTS (SPONSORS)
It is required to have at least one active and confirmed Roman Catholic Godparent who agrees with the teachings of the Church. Canon Law: cc 872-874
– 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 role to be undertaken.
– They must be practicing Catholics who attend Sunday Mass regularly.
– If married, must be married in the Catholic Church.
– 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 only as a witness of the baptism along with a Catholic Godparent/Sponsor, which 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 complete the baptism class (in person) before filling up the Baptismal Registration form. The Baptismal Class takes place every First Monday of the month @ 6 pm in RM#22 (school building)
Use the link below if you already registered for the baptismal class but did not pay
Please note that in order to continue with the Baptism Registration you’ll need a digital copy of your child’s Birth Certificate and digital copies of the Class Completion Certificate for both parents and Godparents (sponsors) only if you took the classes at another parish. You do not need to submit copies of class completion if you took the class at St. Anthony of Padua.
2. Baptism Registration: After completing the baptismal class you may register your child for Baptism below:
3. Pay the $50.00 Child Baptism Scheduling fee. After completing the Baptism registration form you will be redirected to our online secure payment page.
Use the link below if you already filled the registration form but did not pay
Children 7 years old and older, as well as adults seeking baptism, must 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 additional information, 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
