Baptism
Baptism
Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)
Baptism
The sacrament of baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, and is the first of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. Baptism removes the effects of original sin, which taints all of humanity by Adam and Eve’s sin, and welcomes the recipient into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at 1:00 PM on the first three Sundays of each month (except during Lent, and as noted on the Application for Baptism). Other times may be possible in extenuating circumstances.
Because parents promise before God and the Church that they will raise their child in the practice of the Catholic Church, they need to indicate their commitment by being registered, actively attending weekly Sunday mass, and offering financial support of the parish for at least three months before requesting Baptism.
If you have any questions about baptism at Saint John, please email Father Valenzuela at
churchoffice@saintjohncatholicsc.org.
Parents of a first born child (including not yet born) need to attend a Baptism preparation class. Please fill out the Application for Baptism form to get on the list for a preparation class. Our instructor will reach out with additional information.
Ready to schedule Baptism? Please complete the
Application for Baptism
The role of a Godparent is a serious obligation. The Godparent is to live his or her life faithfully and actively as a Catholic Christian. He or she should serve as a role model for the child and be well formed in the Catholic faith.
There may be two Godparents per child, one male and one female, or there may be only one Godparent. To qualify, a Godparent candidate must meet these requirements:
- Be a Catholic, who has received the Sacrament of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Be at least 16 years of age on the date of the child’s baptism.
- Be registered and actively participating in a Catholic parish, where he or she resides, and be able to provide written certification from the pastor of that parish.
- If married, was married within the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church.
- Not the mother or father of the child.
A person who has left the Catholic Church by a formal act, such as joining another Christian religion, is not qualified to fulfill the role of a Catholic godparents, cannot serve as a Christian witness.
Baptized Christians of other traditions are welcome to serve as Christian witnesses, but do not have an official status in the baptism. The witness need only be baptized. No certification is required.
If a god parent cannot be physically present for the Baptism, he or she may be represented by a proxy, someone whom he or she appoints. The proxy, may be any person who has personal understanding of the Godparent’s intention to serve as a Catholic role model for the child.
Please
click here to download the Godparent Certification form which may be emailed to those
chosen to serve.
