Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.1
Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift… We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.2
Baptisms are celebrated on the third Saturday of the month at
11:00 am in English and 12:00 pm in Spanish. There are no baptisms during Lent. Baptism preparation classes are held quarterly. To reserve a space, please call Penny Lampe at the parish office.
Complete the “Baptismal Registration” form and attach a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
Attend Baptism preparation classes. When taking the class in another parish, you must present a certificate that indicates the attendance date. The class is valid for one year.
Note: All requirements must be submitted to the parish office at least two weeks before the baptism.
Sponsors must be at least sixteen years of age.
Must be registered as an active member of a Catholic Church and present a certificate of eligibility names “Sponsor Letter.” If the sponsor is a member of Holy Cross, you do not need to submit this requirement.
Attend Baptism preparation classes here or in another Catholic Church. When taking the class in another parish, you must present a certificate that indicates the attendance date. The class is valid for one year.
Important:
Canon 873 of the Code of Canon Law states: “Let there be only one godfather or one godmother.” The case of two same-sex godparents is not permitted.
Only Catholics who are practicing and faithful to the teachings of the Church can be godparents; however, a Christian of another denomination, whether orthodox or Protestant, can be a “Christian witness” of Baptism alongside a Catholic sponsor.
If the sponsor cannot be present, you can appoint another person as proxy to represent him or her on the day of Baptism.
The Church considers that a child over the age of 7 years old has reached the age of reason and for this reason is invited to attend a faith formation program to prepare for the of Baptism, Reconciliation, and First Holy Communion. This preparation requires a minimum of two years of Faith Formation. For more information, please contact a staff member in the Faith Formation office.
Attend an inquiry session of our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program. Click here to find more information