Baptism is the first Sacrament a Christian receives.
Baptism imparts an indelible mark upon one's soul. Christ claims us for Himself at our baptism.
Infant baptism is for children birth through age 6.
Christian Initiation for Childrenis for children who are not yet baptized and are
7 years old or older. See
Christian Initiation for Children on the Faith Formation page. Please contact the
Faith Formation Office at (253) 631-6175.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults(RCIA) is for those who are
18 years or older who desire to beome Catholic. See RCIA on the Faith Formation page. Please contact
Anne Merklin at (253) 631-1940 ext. 126 or
sstmassociate@gmail.com.
Welcome to Infant Baptism preparation at St. Stephen the Martyr parish!
To have your child baptized at St. Stephen the Martyr parish, please make sure your family is registered (at least three months in advance of desired month of baptism). If you are not registered at St. Stephens, you may register by completing a registration form at the parish office or see "Joining our Community" on the Welcome page of the website.
Please begin preparation by taking our class at least three (3) months prior to the desired month of baptism. If you have extended family who must plan travel, please consider taking the class five (5) months prior to the desired month of baptism so you will be able to notify them of the date well in advance.
Preparation classes are required for parents and sponsors (godparents). Classes are offered monthly usually on a Saturday morning. You may take the class while your child is pre-born.
Godparents may take the class at their home parish and have written verification sent to St. Stephen the Martyr.
Parents are responsible for providing all required certificates and completed forms.
Baptisms are celebrated on pre-determined weekends usually during Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses. There are no infant baptisms during Advent and Lent.
Baptisms are scheduled after all preparation is complete.
Regarding sponsors/godparents:
All sponsors must be baptized Christians and living a life consistent with Catholic teaching.
Sponsors must be at least 16 years old.
At leastone sponsor must be a confirmed Catholic and proof of Confirmation is required.
Sponsors who are Catholic and provide proof of Confirmation are Godparents.
Sponsors who do not provide proof of Confirmation must provide proof of Christian Baptism.
Sponsors who provide proof of Christian Baptism but not Catholic Confirmation are Christian Witnesses.
All sponsors must be active in their churches.
If sponsors are married, their marriage must be a Christian marriage. For Catholics, they were married by a priest or deacon in the Church or their marriage has been convalidated (blessed).
A maximum of two sponsors (one male and one female) are recorded in the parish baptism record and on the baptism certificate.
Required Forms and Certificates:
Completed Baptism Information Form -- one per child
Completed Sponsor Information Form -- one per sponsor
Copy of child's birth certificate
Proof of Catholic Confirmation for Godparents (at least one per child)
Proof of Baptism for Christian Witness (maximum of one per child there must be two or more sponsors)
Next infant baptism preparation classes:
October 20, 2018 CANCELLED
November 17, 2018
December 15, 2
Classes are Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and are usually in the classroom wing.
One class session is required to fulfil your obligation.
Donations may be made using the envelope provided at the class
.
Infant Baptisms are celebrated on predetermined weekends usually during Saturday Vigil and Sunday morning Masses. There are no infant baptisms during Advent and Lent.
For more information, contact Teresa Wright at
sstm.baptism@gmail.com or (253) 631- 6175 ext. 120 .
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.