Baptism: Starting Our Life in Christ

Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God. Through Baptism, we begin our life with Christ.

How people prepare for Baptism depends on their age. See below to learn more about getting ready for Baptism and get started today.

Baptism for Children Age 6 and Younger

Parents, thank you for wanting to baptize your child! We're very happy to help you prepare for and celebrate their baptism here at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church.

If your child is age 6 or younger, you can get started today by first reading about baptism preparation process, then filling out a Baptism Interest Form.

Baptism for Older Children and Youth

To learn more about preparing for baptism for children age 7 through Grade 8, please visit this webpage. For youth in high school, please contact Lori Nava ([email protected] or 512-442-3602).

Baptism for Adults

Go to our Becoming Catholic webpage to learn more about how to prepare for baptism as an adult.

To make your donation, please click the link below. Please wait to donate until prompted to by parish staff. The suggested donation is $10.
 

Baptism Preparation Process for Children Age 6 or Younger

Below are the steps for parents seeking to baptize their children age 6 or younger. Do you have some questions? Read our Infant Baptism FAQs.

Step 1) Fill out the Baptism Interest Form.

This form can be download as a PDF or you can fill it out online.

Step 2) Initial baptism conversation.

We want to know you and walk with you during Baptism preparation and beyond. During this conversation, we'll talk about baptism, review all the steps of the baptism process, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 3) At-home class.

We send our parents to an online baptism preparation course that they can complete at home together. When complete, send us your certification of completion.

Step 4) Turn in all the paperwork.

Starting with the Baptism Interest Form, we'll also need Godparent Covenant forms, a copy of the birth certificate (or verification of birth facts), and we request a small donation. All this is sent to you after the initial baptism conversation for families new to St. Ignatius, or after you fill out your Baptism Interest Form for returning families.

Step 5) Schedule the Baptism.

After we have your Baptism Interest Form and Baptism Sponsor Form(s), you may schedule the baptism. See our current available baptism dates. Note: Baptisms can only be scheduled at Mass if a family regularly attends that Mass, or if they make a commitment to attend that Mass in the six weeks prior to the baptism.

Step 6) Celebrate the baptism!

We look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones!

FAQs for Infant Baptism

How do I register for Baptism?

Fill out the Baptism Interest Form to get started. Someone from the parish office will be in touch with you within 2 business days.

Do I need to take a baptism preparation class?

A baptism preparation class only needs to be taken once, whether it was 10 years ago or 10 months ago.

How can I sign up to take a baptism preparation class at St. Ignatius?

St. Ignatius currently offers at-home baptism preparation for parents seeking baptism for children age 6 and younger. At this time, we are only able to offer classes to parents or godparents who are parishioners or who are involved with a baptism at St. Ignatius.

If you are a parent, you'll receive the information after your fill out the Baptism Interest Form. If you're a godparent, contact Isaac Garcia ([email protected]) for more information.

When are baptisms scheduled?

Baptisms can only be scheduled after the Baptism Interest Form and Baptism Sponsor Covenant Forms have been completed. Baptisms at St. Ignatius can be celebrated on the dates seen at this link. The earliest your baptism can be scheduled is next month. Baptisms can only be scheduled at Mass if a family regularly attends that Mass, or if they make a commitment to attend that Mass in the six weeks prior to the baptism.

Where do I make my baptism donation?

You can donate online at this link, or come into the office and donate in person with cash or check. $10 is the suggested donation.

Who can be a godparent?

Godparents play an important role both in the Rite of Baptism and in helping the child grow in their faith and lead a Christian life. Watch the video below to learn more about the role of Godparents and the requirements.
 

Criteria for Eligibility for Godparents

• At least 16 years of age
• Cannot be the parents or legal guardian
• Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist
• If married, marriage is recognized by the Catholic Church (typically called "married in the Church")
• If not married, is not living with a significant other
• Attends mass regularly and is in good standing with the Church

What if the godparent we want is civilly married?

If you have someone in your life who you want to serve as a godparent but they are civilly married, in order to serve as a godparent, they must bring their marriage into the Church through a process called convalidation. This looks different for each couple, so the desired godparent is highly encouraged to contact St. Ignatius or their parish to talk about how they can do that. Contact Isaac Garcia in the parish office to learn more.

What if the godparent we want needs a sacrament?

If you have someone in your life who has yet to receive Baptism, First Communion, and/or Confirmation, please have them contact St. Ignatius or a parish close to where they live ASAP about how to prepare for and receive these sacraments. To learn more about this process at St. Ignatius, see our Adult Confirmation page if they're baptized Catholic, and our RCIA page if they are unbaptized.

What is a Christian Witness? What if We Want a non-Catholic godparent?

A baptized, non-Catholic Christian may serve alongside a godparent at the baptism ceremony as a Christian Witness. Their role in the celebration is similar to a godparent's. They will stand alongside your child’s Catholic godparent and say the same responses before God.

Can a Catholic serve as a Christian Witness?

No. If your desired godparent is baptized Catholic and either needs a sacrament or is civilly married, contact Isaac Garcia in the parish office and we can help your desired godparent prepare for whatever sacraments they need to receive. It would truly be a privilege for us to walk with them as they enter more fully into the life of Christ by celebrating the sacraments.

Can I have two godmothers? Or two godfathers?

Parents are free to pick one godparent (or Christian Witness) of each sex to stand with them by the baptismal font, but not two of the same sex. Parents may also opt for one godparent.

Isaac Garcia
Director of Adult Evangelization and Catechesis
[email protected]