Baptism
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Contact Us
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Jesus Rodriguezjrodriguezsfrchurch.orgDirector of Faith Formation
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THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments, marking our entry into the Christian life. Through Baptism, we are washed clean of sin, become children of God, and are welcomed into the Body of Christ. Baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we receive grace that shapes how we live and follow God.
Baptism begins our lifelong call to live in Christ and embrace the Church’s sacramental life.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us:
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life... the gateway to life in the Spirit... and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.” (CCC 1213)
Whether you are baptizing a baby or you're older and seeking Baptism yourself, this sacrament is where it all begins. -
BAPTISM at st. frances of romeWe’re so glad you’re considering Baptism—it’s the beautiful beginning of a life with God and the first step in becoming a member of the Catholic Church.
Whether you're preparing to baptize your infant, your child, or seeking Baptism yourself, we want to make the process clear and welcoming.
This page provides information for families seeking Baptism for children age 5 and under.
If your child is age 7 or older, or if you are an adult seeking Baptism, please explore Christian Initiation (OCIA - Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). OCIA is a process of preparation for those old enough to understand and freely choose the Catholic faith.
Requirements for Parents and Sponsors (Godparents)- Parent(s) - At least one parent or legal guardian must:
- Consent to the Baptism
- Actively practice the Catholic faith
- Commit to raising the child in the Catholic faith
- Complete a Baptism preparation class
- Sponsors (Godparents) - Sponsors must:
- Be fully initiated, practicing Catholics (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation)
- Be at least 16 years old
- If married, be married in the Catholic Church
- Complete a Baptism preparation class
- Please see the Baptism Sponsor Form for complete details.
Baptism Preparation Classes
The Catholic Church asks that parents and godparent(s) preparing for infant Baptism participate in a Baptism preparation class to better understand the sacrament and the promises made on the day of Baptism.- Attendance is mandatory for both parents and godparent(s).
- A certificate from another Catholic parish may be accepted if completed within the last two years.
- Online courses are not accepted, except in cases of emergency or pastoral need
- Baptism classes are usually held on the Thursday prior to the scheduled Baptism at 7:00pm in the Parish Auditorium (next to the church) unless otherwise noted.
When are Baptisms?
Baptisms at St. Frances typically take place at 9am on the first Saturday of the month in Spanish and on the third Saturday of the month in English unless otherwise noted. Parents, godparents and child must arrive by 8:45am. Baptism dates are released in 6 month increments in June & December.
Upcoming Baptism Dates*Baptisms are available during Lent only for pastoral or medical emergencies.Próximas Bautismos en Español Upcoming English Baptisms Month Clase Bautismo Class Baptism January 14º 17º a las 11am 15th 17th February 5º 7º 4th 7th at 11am March No hay bautismos durante la Cuaresma* No Baptisms during the season of Lent* April 15º 18º a las 11am 16th 18th May 30º de Abril 2º 14th 16th June 4º 6º 18th 20th
Registration Process
If you would like your child Baptized, please complete the following steps:
Step 1: Complete the Online Baptism Registration Form- After your registration is submitted, it will be reviewed by our team. If there are no issues, you can expect a follow-up email within 24–48 hours.
- Please Note: Your Baptism date is not officially reserved until all required documentation and the registration fee have been received.
- County clerk’s copy of the child’s birth certificate (hospital certificates are NOT accepted)
- Baptism Sponsor Form
- $75/Child Registration Fee
- Pay online via Zelle or visit the Parish Office to pay by cash or check.
- When paying online, include your child's name and baptism date in the comment section. Please forward your payment confirmation email to the coordinator to receive credit.
- Please note: All Baptism registration fees are non-refundable, including in cases of cancellation.
- As part of the registration process, families should save the date for the required Baptism preparation class, as attendance is tied to the scheduled Baptism date.
What Happens Next
Once you have completed the online registration, submitted all required documents, and paid the registration fee, you will receive an email confirming your Baptism date and time.
The week of the Baptism, you will also receive a reminder email with details about the required Baptism preparation class. - Parent(s) - At least one parent or legal guardian must:
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frequently asked questions about baptismDo you offer individual Baptisms?
Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated in a communal setting. Individual Baptisms are celebrated only in cases of medical or pastoral emergency.
Can my child be baptized during a Sunday Mass?
Yes, Baptism during a Sunday Mass is sometimes possible.
To request a Sunday Mass Baptism, families must:- Complete the Baptism registration
- Submit all required paperwork
- Submit the registration fee
- Provide three possible Sunday Mass dates and times
Please note that Sunday Mass Baptisms are not guaranteed and are approved at the discretion of the pastor. Families will be notified if one of the requested dates is approved.
Do I need to take a Baptism class?
Yes, parents and godparents must attend a baptism preparation class.
Can I sign up for just the Baptism preparation class?
Yes. You are welcome to register for the Baptism preparation class only, and there is no fee to attend the class.
However please note, that Baptism preparation classes are scheduled in connection with upcoming Baptisms. If there are no Baptisms scheduled for that weekend, the class will be canceled, even if you have registered for the class. Individuals will be notified if this occurs.
Individuals wanting to sign up for the class should email the coordinator their full legal name, the date of the class they wish to sign up for, and their contact information.
What if neither parent is Catholic?
At least one parent or legal guardian must be a practicing Catholic and commit to raising the child in the Catholic faith. If you have questions about your situation, please contact the parish office—we are happy to help.
Do the parents of the child to be baptized need to be married in the Roman Catholic Church?
It is not a requirement for the parents to be married in the Church to have their child baptized.
Do the godparents need to be married to each other?
No. Godparents do not need to be married to each other.
Each godparent is evaluated individually and must meet the Church’s requirements (age, sacraments received, and, if married, marriage recognized by the Catholic Church).
What if my godparent cannot be present at the Baptism?
If a godparent cannot attend the baptism ceremony, a proxy can stand in the place of the missing godparent. The name of that person will be entered as “proxy” in the Sacramental Record Book. Along with the name of the missing godparent.
How many children are baptized in each ceremony?
The maximum number of children baptized in each ceremony is 10.
What do we need on the day of the Baptism?
Each child being baptized will need a white baptism garment and a baptism candle. These items are part of the baptism ritual and can be found at any Catholic store or online.
How soon should we have our baby baptized?
Because God’s gift of new life in Baptism is so important to your child and to your family’s Christian life, Baptism should not be unnecessarily delayed. We recommend that babies be baptized within six months of birth, preferably sooner.
Parents are welcome to complete the required Baptism preparation class before their baby is born.