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BAPTISM

The Sacrament of Baptism begins our new life in Christ. Baptism washes away original sin. We are made a member of Christ’s body, the Church. We are filled with sanctifying grace. We receive the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is celebrated by the pouring of holy water or immersing one in the Baptismal Font. The celebrant recites the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This is called the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The one receiving the sacrament is immersed or water is poured on their head three times – once as the celebrant says, "in the name of the Father," once as he says, "and of the Son," and again when he says, "and of the Holy Spirit." The celebrant or Ordinary Minister of Baptism is a bishop, priest or deacon. In an emergency, however, anyone can baptize as long as the intention is to do the will of the church and the Trinitarian formula and pouring water are used.

Baptisms are divided into two main categories.
 

First category
Infant Baptism is for children from birth through the 6th year of age.

  • Baptisms are held on Sundays at 1:30 pm.

 

English:

  • 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month
​
Spanish:
  • 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.

To help the parents and Godparents know and understand what baptism means for their child, a
pre-baptismal class is required and a completed information form so that your child's name can be entered in the baptismal registry.

For more information regarding Infant Baptism, call the parish office: 209 524-7421.

Second category:
People 7 years of age and older. There is a process to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, which brings the person fully into the Church.

For more information regarding Baptism for people 7 years of age or older, call the OCIA office: 209 491-3468.

How to set a Baptism Date

1

Registered Families

To set a Baptism date the following documents must first be turned in:

  • Copy of child's birth certificate.

  • Parents and Godparents must attend a pre-baptismal class at any Catholic Church.

  • If Godparents are not registered at our parish, they must bring a letter of permission with a church seal from their home parish giving them permission to be Godparents for Baptism.

  • Godparents must turn in eligibility form.

2

Non-registered families

To set a Baptism date the following documents must first be turned in:

  • Copy of child's birth certificate.

  • Parents must provide a letter of permission with a church seal from their home church granting them permission to baptize their child at our parish.

  • Parents and Godparents must attend a pre-baptismal class at any Catholic Church.

  • If Godparents are not registered at our parish, they must bring a letter of permission with a church seal from their home parish giving them permission to be Godparents for Baptism.

  • Godparents must turn in eligibility form.​

3

Godparent Eligibility 

Eligibility to be a Godparent:

  1. Must be 16 years or older.

  2. Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.

  3. IF MARRIED: Marriage must be recognized as a valid by the Catholic Church.

  4. IF SINGLE: Live a single life and not living in union with a partner.

  5. Lead a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and participate regularly in Sunday Mass.​

Godparent Eligibility Form

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