Baptism

St. Ignatius currently offers at-home baptism preparation for parents seeking baptism for a child up to and including the age of 6. Please contact Mrs. Mary Cruz in the parish office to begin the baptism preparation process. Read more about this preparation process below.

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.

Just as God proclaimed his love for Jesus at his Baptism, God calls each of us "beloved" when our souls are made holy in the waters of Baptism. We are no longer spiritual orphans separated from God by original sin. By the Sacrament of Baptism, we become adopted sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven who loves and cherishes us beyond measure. 

• Baptism for Older Children
• Baptism for Adults

Baptism Preparation Process for Children Age 6 or Younger

Here are the steps for parents seeking baptism. Note: parents who have recently attended a baptism preparation class do not need to attend the online preparation class and follow up conversation.

To make your donation, please click below and scroll down to Baptism Preparation Donation.
 

How Do I Register for Baptism?

Contact Mrs. Mary Cruz in the parish office to begin the baptism preparation process. It may take a couple of months to complete this process and schedule a baptism. Preparation and scheduling can be done before the birth of the child.

When are Baptisms Scheduled?

Baptisms can only be confirmed after all preparation and paperwork is complete, but may be scheduled after we receive your initial paperwork. Baptisms at St. Ignatius can be celebrated on the dates seen at this link. Note that we need at least two weeks lead time between when you have completed your preparation and when the baptism can be celebrated.

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.

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 non-Catholic may serve alongside a godparent at the baptism as a Christian Witness. While technically not a godparent, they will stand alongside your child’s godparent and say the same responses before God.

Can a Catholic serve as a Christian Witness?

No. If your desired godparent is Catholic and either needs a sacrament or is civilly married, contact the parish office and we'll 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 prepare for and receive 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
igarcia@st-ignatius.org