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 and encouraged 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. We regret that we cannot schedule baptisms at this time. The Archdiocese, acting in an abundance of caution, has asked parishes to forbear scheduling baptisms until it is safe to celebrate the sacrament of baptism.
- 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 is confirmed Catholic and proof of Confirmation is required.
- There may be two sponsors (one male and one female) and both must be baptized Christians and living a life consistent with Catholic teaching.
- In addition to one Godparent there may be one Christian Witness who does not provide proof of Confirmation but must provide proof of Christian Baptism.
- If Godparents are single they must be chaste. If they are married it must be a valid Catholic marriage.
- Sponsors must be at least 16 years old.
- All 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.
Next infant baptism preparation classes:
- In-person classes are cancelled until further notice [please contact Teresa Wright for information on completing the class using at-home preparation]
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
.
Currently email is best 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.