Baptismal Classes are a prerequisite before having your child baptized.
English Class - meet the second Monday of each month at 7:30pm in the Catholic Center.
Spanish Class - there are two classes. Class I is for parents only and is on the first Monday of each month. Class II is for both parents and godparents and is on the second Monday of each month. Both classes are held in the Catholic Center at 7:30pm.
Who should attend the Class? - Parents and godparents must attend a baptism class.
Where should the Baptism take place? The most appropriate place to baptize a child is in the parish church where the parents attend Mass.
Baptism:
Normally our infant baptisms are scheduled monthly on the fourth Sunday of every month (in English at 1:00 PM and in Spanish at 2:00 PM). If you wish the baptism to be at a different time, you must contact a deacon or a priest to see if another date and time can be arranged.
The following items are required for baptism:
1. The Baptismal Application must be completed.
2. A copy of the birth certificate of the child to be baptized is required by the Church before the baptism. This should be brought or mailed to St. Mary’s with the completed application.
3. Copies of a certificate or a letter as proof that baptism classes were attended by the parents and godparents within the last three years.
4. For any godparent who is living with someone like husband and wife, we need a copy of their marriage certificate as proof that they are in a valid marriage in the eyes of the Catholic Church.
5. If the parents of the child are not members of St. Mary’s Parish in
6. All necessary paperwork must be in our office at least 3 days prior to the Baptism.
CHOOSING A GODPARENT FOR YOUR CHILD
These are the qualities needed for someone to serve as a sponsor:
1. Is a baptized Catholic who has received the Eucharist and has been Confirmed.
2. Must be at least 16 years of age.
3. Is a practicing Catholic who participates in the Eucharistic celebration on Sundays.
4. Gives good example of living their Catholic faith.
5. Willing to encourage the child to develop and grow in the Catholic faith.
6. If there are two sponsors, one must be male and the other female.
7. The two godparents do not necessarily have to be of the same marriage.
8. If they are living with someone like husband and wife, their marriage must be seen as valid in the eyes of the Catholic Church.
9. A baptized non-Catholic may not be a sponsor but may serve as a witness alongside a Catholic sponsor. Together they carry out the role of godparents in the baptism. Non-baptized persons may not serve in the role of sponsors or witnesses.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at (979) 846-5717 or at our general e-mail address.
Thank you!