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The Sacrament of Baptism -
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Congratulations on taking this important step in faith for your child and your family! We look forward to meeting you and your child in person soon, but in the mean time, here is all of the important information you need to know about the baptismal preparation process at Saint Mary Cathedral.
Below you will find more information on the Sacrament of Baptism for both infants and adults. If you are seeking Baptism for your child (under 7 years old) please refer to the 'Infant Baptism' section; and if you are seeking Baptism either for yourself or for a family member (over 7 years old) please refer to the 'Adult Baptism' section of this page.
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What is Baptism?
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The Sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of the Sacramental life of the Church and necessary for salvation. In this sacrament, we are cleansed from Original Sin and are reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, and are incorporated into the Body of Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213-1284). As in all sacraments there are special graces that we receive which help us to grow spiritually as well as strengthen us against sin. In Baptism, we are marked with an indelible seal for the day of redemption and receive the Holy Spirit who continually pours His gifts into our lives as we pursue the Christian life.
Just as Christ was baptized so too are we baptized into His Body. We live out the promises we make at our baptism by regularly practicing our faith through prayer and communion with the Lord, reading and meditating on Scripture, and practicing the virtues and renouncing our vices to name a few. A simple way to remember our baptism when we enter a church is calling it to mind when we dip our fingers in a holy water font and make the sign of the cross.
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Your name means something. Given to you by your parents it is also a name marked by God for His good purposes. Our names bear our mission and in Baptism we receive the Holy Spirit who strengthens us for this mission.
We are called by name by the One who made us and incorporated into His family, the Body of Christ, at our baptism...
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The Process
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The Process
- Complete and submit Baptism Request Form:
Baptism Request Form - Attend a Baptism Preparation Class (this is required for parents and godparents) - if the class has been taken within the last three years, it does not have to be retaken. Please provide a copy of that certificate when submitting the paperwork. SMC class is schedule is listed below.
- Covenant form- this is for the godparents to fill out and sign.
- Attain a Birth certificate of the child to be baptized.
- Submit all paperwork together. Individual documents are not accepted
- The baptism will be scheduled- Please know that baptisms are not scheduled more than 30 days in advance and are scheduled based on the Cathedrals/Priest availability.
Please see below for further information. - Complete and submit Baptism Request Form:
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Infant Baptism
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We are grateful that you desire your child to be baptized into God's family. We share your joy! If your child is under the age of below 7 you will find the process for Infant Baptism, all forms and paperwork, as well as resources for your family and godparents as you prepare for your child's baptism.
Once you have filled out all the paperwork please submit it together to the Baptismal Coordinator. We will review and contact you to schedule your child’s Baptism. Our review process will begin approximately 30 days out from your requested date and will be at the discretion of the priest’s availability and parish calendar.
We are able to schedule the date of Baptism after the Baptism Request Form and all paperwork is submitted. In order to best serve you and your family celebrating your child’s Baptism please refrain from making any celebration plans before confirmation of the requested date.
Additional paperwork may be required.
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Adult Baptism
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Ages 7 through 18
If your child is between the ages of 7-18 they would go through the process of RCIA Adapted for Children in our Faith Formation class. At the end of this process they will be prepared to receive all Sacraments of Initiation.
Please follow the link to find out more -
Ages 18 and above
For those who are over the age of 18 and not baptized the process is a one year commitment to weekly formation in a program called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This culminates at the Easter Vigil and receiving all three Sacraments of Initiation.
Please follow the link to find out more
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More Information
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Parent & Godparent Baptismal Class
Each session is free and self-contained so you do not need to attend more than one. Please note that both parents and godparents are required to attend a session and receive a certificate.
Classes are held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Sheehan Room.
English: April 5, May 3, June 7
Spanish: abril 12, mayo 10, junio 14
Baptism Class Registration Form -
What to expect during the BaptismDuring the celebration of the Rite of Baptism, a few guidelines are asked to be followed:
- Out of reverence for the Mass and the Sacrament please silence all cell phones. As well please do not eat, chew gum or drink inside the church.
- Photographs and video recording are allowed. We as that photographers do not move around or interrupt the ceremony by constant flash photography. Distractions take the focus away from the baptismal candidates and the solemnity of the Rite. Photos will be allowed immediately following the end of the liturgy. Please inform your family of our policy prior to the day of the baptism.
- During the Rite, there will be a time to anoint the child on the chest. Please be prepared to assist the priest or deacon by being ready to adjust the child’s clothing so that anointing can be performed.
- A Baptismal Candle will be given to the Godparents during the Baptismal Rite. If you are in need of a candle or bib The Ave Maria Cathedral Gift Shop has both of these items in stock for you to purchase though you do not need to purchase these at the Cathedral.
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