Baptism is the first Sacrament a Christian receives.
Baptism imparts an indelible mark upon one's soul and Christ claims us for Himself at our baptism.
Infant baptism is for children birth through age 6.
For children age 7 and older: Christian Initiation for Childrenis for children who are not yet baptized and are
7 years old or older. Please contact the
Faith Formation Office at (253) 631-6175.
For adult Baptism: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults(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 receiving envelopes, you are registered. 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.
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.
Sponsors must be at least 16 years of age and living a life consistent with Catholic teaching.
All sponsors must be active in their faith communities.
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 Witnesses (no proof of Catholic Confirmation)
Next infant baptism preparation class:
August 18, 2018
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.
Suggested Donation: Class: $10; Baptism: $30 per family.
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.