Baptism

The sacrament of baptism is the first of the seven sacraments.  Baptism is what makes us a member of the Body of Christ, it is what initiates us as Christians.  Being baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit confers grace upon the baptized.  As Christians we spend our life unfolding this baptismal grace in how we live and follow God in our life.  We are baptized in One God, yet three persons.  Baptism is the beginning of our Christian vocation that will call us to conform our life to Christ and live the sacramental life of the Church founded by Jesus himself.
 

Baptismal Preparation for Children and Infants

Children who are four years of age and younger may be baptized at various times throughout the year, except during the season of Lent.  This type of baptism is referred to as "Infant Baptism."  The child not having reached the age of reason, is presented by the Catholic parent(s) for baptism and takes on the responsibility of raising the child in the Catholic faith.  The parent publicly renounces sin and professes their faith, as they will share their faith and love of God with their child.  The Catholic parent(s) and godparents will attend a preparation class for baptism.  If they have recently completed a class in our parish or theirs, they can alternately submit their certificate of completion for the preparation class.  In this class the Rite of Baptism, sacramentality and scripture are reviewed.  If you would like your child baptized, please download our packet below and then call our office at 626-969-1829.
 

Requirements of Parents for Infant Baptism

The Catholic parent(s) need to be registered in their parish where they are actively practicing their faith and be in or working toward full sacramental communion.  They must also have recently completed a baptismal preparation class.  Sometimes, a Catholic will not have married in the sacrament of matrimony.  If this is the case, we can assist you in making your marriage sacramental (con validation) and returning to full
sacramental communion.  There must be a founded hope that the child will be raised in the faith, so practicing one's faith is essential.  A non-Catholic parent is not obligated to participate in the preparation or Rite of Baptism for their child but is certain welcome to do so.  For infant baptism, please download our packet below, and contact our office two months prior to your desired date, 626-969-1829.
 

Requirements of Godparents for Infant Baptism

The godparents, also known as the sponsors, need to be registered in their parish where they are actively practicing their faith, be in full sacramental communion, be confirmed, be at least 16 years of age, and have recently completed a baptismal preparation class.  There may be one male godparent and one female godparent.  They need not be related or married but can be.  If you desire someone to be a godparent and they cannot be present, a proxy may stand-in for them.
 

Baptismal Preparation for Adults and Children who are of catechetical/school age

Once a person reaches the age of reason, it is very important they embrace their faith, knowledge, and love of God as they prepare for their baptism.  They will present themselves and journey with others toward the Easter Vigil where these baptisms takeplace in the most important and biggest celebration of the year.  The Easter Vigil is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ and is especially marked with the waters of baptism. The preparation programs for this type of baptism are the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and adapted for children.  Click here for contact information and to learn more about these programs.
 
The Rite of Christian Initiation welcomes Adults and Children ages 5 (in school) and older inquiring about the Catholic faith.  In fact, the first segment of this program is for inquiry purposes only, so one need to make a commitment to become Catholic.  Come and ask questions, share with others that are learning about the faith.  Discern if God is calling you into to communion in His Church.Infants and children ages four and younger are to be initiated through infant baptism and not the Rite of Christian Initiation.