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Infant
Baptism -
What is Baptism?
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Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. (CCC#1213)
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Requirements and Steps to Baptize
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Requirements for the Parents:
- At least (1) one parent must be Catholic.
- Both parents must agree that the child is to be baptized and raised according to the Catholic faith.
- The parents must be either registered and participating members of St. Bernadette Catholic Church or live within the geographical boundaries of St. Bernadette Catholic Church (zip code 77062).
- If the parents are not parishioners at St. Bernadette, then parents need a letter of permission from their pastor, to baptize their child outside of their parish. The letter can be faxed to (281) 218-9440, emailed to: [email protected], or sent by mail.
- Both parents must have taken a baptism preparation class at St. Bernadette or another Catholic Church within the last three years. Please provide a letter of completion if the class was at another Catholic Church.
Requirements for the Sponsors (Godparents):- Only (1) one sponsor is required.
- If there are two sponsors, (1) one must be male and (1) one must be female.
- They must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- They must be currently practicing their Catholic faith.
- If a sponsor is married, the wedding must have been in the Catholic Church.
- If the sponsor was previously married it must be annulled prior to being a sponsor.
- A non-Catholic Christian who has received the Sacrament of Baptism within his or her tradition may act in the place of the second sponsor as a Christian Witness.
- The preparation class for sponsors is recommended and encouraged but not required.
- The sponsor is to pray daily for their godchild.
What do we do next?
Come to the Parish Office with the following paperwork:- The original state-issued birth certificate for the child being baptized.
- Letter of permission from your pastor, if you are not a parishioner of St. Bernadette or do not live in zip code 77062.
- Documentation from a Catholic Church indicating you have taken a baptism class within the last 3 years. If you attended the class at St. Bernadette, no documentation is required. We have your information on file.
- Complete the Baptism Information Form that can be found at this link, click here
- Contact Deacon Jason to set up a meeting to discuss the baptism process and responsibilities ([email protected])
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Class Registration
Both parents must attend a preparation workshop, and are encouraged to attend before the baby is born. You have several months until the birth of the child, so plan ahead! Please click here to register for the next workshop.
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Baptism Schedule
We have Baptisms usually on the first Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm.
Please turn in all required documents 15 days prior to the date of Baptism.The updated schedule for Baptisms is:
July 6, 2025August 3, 2025September 7, 2025October 5, 2025November 2, 2025December 7, 2025Please call the Parish Office at 281-486-0337 if you have any questions about the Baptism process.
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What if?
..I am not an active Catholic?
The bottom line is: we want you to be active! The baptism of a child can be a special time of conversion for the parents, a time when God gives many graces. God is mercy and love! So if you find yourself not actively practicing as a Catholic, please consider that now is the time to begin! The parish community of St. Bernadette is here for you. Please contact Jeanette Valdez at the number and email below with any questions you might have.
...My wedding was not in the Catholic Church?
You are not required to be married in the Church to baptize your child. Please know that as parents you are the primary teachers of the faith to your children. Baptizing your children means that you want them to be raised as Catholics. The example you set will have a deep impact on them. If you would like to inquire about being married in the Catholic Church, please contact Deacon Jason Fossati at 291-486-0337 or email: [email protected]
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For more information
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Jeanette Valdezvaldezjstbchurch.orgParish Secretary
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Deacon Jason Fossatifossatijstbchurch.orgCoordinator of Baptism
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