Baptism is the first sacrament a Christian receives. It is a Sacrament 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
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Infant baptism is for children birth through age 6.
Christian Initiation for Children is 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. If you are not registered please do so by completing a registration form at the parish office or see "Joining our Community" on the Welcome page of the website.
- Preparation classes are required for parents and sponsors (godparents). Please take our class at least three months prior to the desired month of baptism. One class session is required to fulfil your oblligation. Pre-registration is not required. You are welcome to take the class while your child is pre-born.
- Classes are from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
- Godparents may take a preparation 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 scheduled after all preparation is complete.
- Infant Baptisms are celebrated on predetermined weekends usually during Saturday Vigil and Sunday morning Masses.
- There are no infant baptisms during Advent, Lent, and Easter.
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 - to have a Christian Witness there must be two sponsors and one must be Confirmed Catholic)
Regarding sponsors/godparents:
- A baptismal candidate needs at least one sponsor who must be a confirmed Catholic and proof of Confirmation is required.
- Sponsors who are Catholic and provide proof of Confirmation are Godparents.
- There may be two sponsors (one male and one female) and both must be baptized Christians and living a life consistent with Catholic teaching.
- A Sponsor who does not provide proof of Confirmation must provide proof of Christian Baptism.
- A Sponsor who provides proof of Christian Baptism but not Catholic Confirmation is a Christian Witness.
- Sponsors must be at least 16 years old.
- 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.
Next infant baptism preparation classes:
- No class in April or May
- June 20, 2020
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 fulfill your obligation.
Donations may be made using the envelope provided at the class
.
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.