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Twrightststephenslife.comPastoral Assistant for Infant Baptism
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Baptism is the first sacrament a Christian receives.
It is one of the Sacraments of Initiation.
"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. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made shareer in her mission: 'Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.'" ~ CCC1213
PREPARATION for BAPTISM
Infant baptism is for children birth through age 6.
Christian Initiation for Children and Teens is for children/teens who are not yet baptized and are 6 years old or older. See Baptism for Children under Childrens' Faith Formation. (Click HERE.) Contact the Faith Formation Office at (253) 631-6175 or [email protected]
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is for those who are 18 years or older who desire to become Catholic. See RCIA under Adult Faith Formation.
Please contact Anne Merklin at (253) 480-7108 or [email protected]
Welcome to Preparation for Infant Baptism at St. Stephen the Martyr parish!- To have your child baptized at St. Stephen the Martyr parish, please make sure your family is registered. If you are not registered please do so by completing a registration form at the parish office or see Joining our Community at: https://www.ststephenslife.com/joining-our-community-1.
- Please contact Teresa at least three months prior to the desired month of baptism. You may take the preparation class before your child is born.
- You do not need to be registered parishioners at St. Stephen the Martyr to attend a class.
Our next class 10 June 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.- Preparation classes are required for parents and sponsors (godparents).
- Pre-registration is required
- Only parents, the baby, and two godparents may attend.
- If you cannot attend this class, you may attend the next class.
- Godparents may take a preparation class at their home parish and have written verification sent to Infant Baptism at St. Stephen the Martyr.
- Baptisms will be scheduled after all preparation is complete.
- Infant Baptisms are celebrated on predetermined dates and during regularly scheduled Mass times.
- Infant baptisms are not celebrated during Advent, Lent, and Easter.
Required Forms and Certificates:
Parents are responsible for providing all required certificates and completed forms. Forms are available at the class.- Baptism Information Form -- one per child
- Sponsor Information Form -- one per sponsor
- Copy of child's birth certificate issued by the State
- Proof of Catholic Confirmation for Godparents (at least one per child)
- A baptismal candidate needs at least one sponsor who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation (Catholic) and proof of Confirmation is required.
- There may be two sponsors (one male and one female), one must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, both must be baptized Christians, and living a life consistent with Catholic teaching.
- Sponsors must be at least 16 years old.
- All godparents/sponsors must be active in their churches.
- A maximum of two sponsors (one male and one female) are recorded in the parish baptism record and on the baptism certificate.
The next infant baptism preparation class:- 10 June 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
One class session is required to fulfill your obligation.
Donations are welcome.
For more information contact:
For Baptism Certificates for other Sacraments or to enroll in a Catholic School :
If you require a certificate of baptism so you or your child can continue in Sacramental preparation (First Sacraments, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders) or so your child can enroll in a Catholic school, please contact Betty Mencke in the parish office at (253) 631-1940 extension 100 or [email protected].