Baptism & Initiation
Through Baptism, we welcome new members into God’s family and begin a lifelong journey of faith.
The Sanctifying Role of the Church
Through Baptism, God invites us to share in His divine life through Jesus Christ and makes us His beloved children. Cleansed from sin, we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God—the Body of Christ, the Church.
Baptism begins our new life in Christ, calling us to grow in faith and live as His disciples. With the Risen Christ as its source, Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, followed by Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Infants are baptized in the faith of parents, godparents, and the Church, who promise to guide them.
Parish Guidelines and Information for Infant Baptism
Parents are encouraged to bring their child to the Sacrament of Baptism as soon after birth as reasonably possible. Except in cases of necessity, Baptism ordinarily takes place in the parish church.
For an infant to be baptized, both parents must consent, or consent must be given by at least one parent or someone legally standing in their place. There must also be a reasonable hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith.
Parents are encouraged to be registered parish members. If you are not currently registered, please contact the parish office before scheduling your child’s Baptism.
Are you planning to have your child baptized? Parents who wish to have their children welcomed into the family of the Church through the sacrament of Baptism are asked to call the parish office to register for Baptism Preparation or fill out the information below and someone will contact you. Both parents and godparents are encouraged to attend the preparation sessions, but it is required for parents. Attendance at the sessions can take place before or after the birth of the baby.
Requirements Prior to Infant Baptism:
- Families must be registered parishioners. Registration takes place in person at the Parish Office by appointment.
- Families must register to attend the Baptism preparation sessions by contacting the Parish Office.
Requirements For Godparents:
- The Baptismal rite calls for one godparent, but there may be two.
- If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female.
- Canon Law requires that godparents be age 16 or older.
- At least one godparent must be a Catholic in good standing with the Church and has received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. A baptized non-Catholic may serve as a Christian witness.
- Godparent(s) must provide a letter from their pastor stating that they actively practice the Catholic faith and can serve as godparents. A Christian witness must similarly provide a letter from his/her minister stating that he/she is actively practicing his/her faith and has been baptized.
- Godparents must be living a life befitting the role of a godparent; that is, they must be living witnesses of Christ, role models who live the Christian faith they profess.
Baptisms are celebrated at St. Regis after the 12:00pm Mass on Sunday.
To Schedule an Infant Baptism
Please contact Agnes Villarreal at [email protected] to begin the Baptism preparation process.
Please provide the following:
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate
- Sponsor (Godparent) Form completed from the Catholic parish where each sponsor currently attends.
- Attendance at the Parent Baptism Preparation Class
This class will be scheduled with Fr. Stephen Burr. - Completed Baptism Registration Form — to be completed below.
We look forward to welcoming your family and celebrating this important first step in your child’s journey of faith.
To register for Baptism, please fill out the following form and we will contact you as soon as possible.