Baptism

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Overview


The sacrament of Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation which establishes the foundation of Christian life, in which the faithful are born anew in Christ. To baptize means to "immerse" in water. The one who is baptized dies to sinand is risen with Christ as a "new creature", becoming a member of the Body of Christ. The rite of Baptism consists of immersing the candidate in water or pouring over his or her head while invoking the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 



Private Baptisms

Private baptisms are at the discretion of the priest and deacons. ALL required documents and paperwork MUST be submitted to the parish office prior to a date being set.


When Celebrated

Baptism are ususally immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Mass on the second Sunday of each month. The parish office MUST be contacted in advance to schedule a baptism.


Purpose

Baptism Preparation consists of required formation for parents and godparents of children who will be baptized in the Catholic Church.

Parent Information

  • Parents must schedule an appointment for a get-acquainted/information meeting with the Pastor.
  • Parents must call the Parish Office, before the baptism date, to give the necessary information for the Parish Baptismal Record.
  • A copy of the child's birth certificate of hospital birth record must be sent to the Parish Office before the baptism. This is to help ensure that the parish records are correct.
  • Parents must register for the Baptismal Instruction Class at least one month prior to the class date. Please call the Office so that the proper forms may be sent to your attention. NOTE: Adults only to this class, please make arrangements for babysitting. The next Baptismal Instruction Class is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026 in the St. Michael's Meeting Room from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Parents who are not married in the Catholic Church must call for an interview with the Pastor before the date of the Baptism can be set. This does not apply to single parents.
  • *Incomplete baptism paperwork will not be accepted. It is the parents responsibility to turn in all required documents and paperwork. The church NO LONGER contacts the family in regards to missing documents. The baptism will not be held until all required documents and paperwork have been turned it!

Godparent Information

  • Godparents must both be Catholic, over the age of 16 years of age, have received the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation, and lead lives in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
  • A baptized person who belongs to another faith may be a witness to the baptism, but not a Godparent. It is not necessary to have a Christian Witness when there are Godparents.
  • Godparents may not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
  • If married, Godparents must be married in the Catholic Church.
  • Godparents must register for the Baptismal Instruction Class at least one month prior to the class date. Baptismal Classes are held on the last Saturday of every other month beginning with February. Please call the Parish Office so that the proper forms can be sent to your attention.
  • There will be a $100.00 processing fee for all baptisms.  The processing fee is for air conditioning in the church and cost of office paperwork. If you would like to make a love offering to the priest or deacon, it's at your discretion.



NOTE: The above information is taken from the Universal Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church and from the Pastoral Manual of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. This means that the above information and requirements are universal in every diocese and parish of the Catholic Church in the world. They do not and cannot vary from parish to parish. This is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and in the same way. Please do not hesitate to call the Pastor if there are any questions. 

Forms

*Incomplete baptism paperwork will not be accepted. It is the parents responsibility to turn in all required documents and paperwork. The church NO LONGER contacts the family in regards to missing documents. The baptism will not be held until all required documents and paperwork have been turned it!

Baptismal Instruction Class Parent Information Form click here.

Baptismal Instruction Class Godparent Information Form click here