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. 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). Classes are offered once each month on a Saturday morning. You may take the class while your child is pre-born. Please take our class at least three months prior to the desired month of baptism. One class session is required to fulfil your oblligation. Classes are from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Next infant baptism preparation classes:
February 16, 2019
March 16, 2019
no class in April or May, 2019
June 15, 2019
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 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. (No infant baptisms during March and April 2019.)
Regarding sponsors/godparents:
A baptismal candidate needs at leastone 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.
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 onemust be Confirmed Catholic)
Next infant baptism preparation classes:
March 16, 2019
no class in April or May, 2019
June 15, 2019
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.
Teresa has no phone service until further notice.
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.