The Baptism of Infants

Congratulations on the birth of your child! Our Cathedral parish community shares your joy in welcoming a new member to your family—and now, welcoming your child to the body of Christ, the Church.

 

In baptism, your child will be set free from original sin and become a child of God, configured to Christ Jesus and incorporated into the Church. To prepare for the celebration of this first sacrament, the Church desires that parents and Godparents understand their solemn commitment to raise your child in the Catholic religion. Preparation for the baptism of your child is an opportunity for you to explore the meaning of baptism and enrich your faith experience.

 

Infant baptism at the Cathedral of the Annunciation unfolds in the following steps:

• Completing the registration form
• Participating in an Infant Baptism Preparation session (parents and Godparents)
• Scheduling the baptism
• Celebration of baptism

Step 1. Complete the Infant Baptism Registration Form

The registration form can be completed by visiting the Parish House during regular office hours (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.).

A copy of the child’s birth certificate (acquired from the county in which the child was born)

If the Godparents are not Cathedral parishioners, a certificate of the Catholic status will be needed from their proper parish.

 

Step 2. Participate in an Infant Baptism Preparation session.

The Church requires that parents and Godparents receive catechesis for their roles in raising the child in the Christian Faith. 

Preparation sessions are held on the first Thursday of the month in English and the second Thursday of the month in Spanish in the Choir Room of the Parish Center (440 West Rose Street).

To schedule the preparation session, call the Parish Office (209–463–1305) during regular office hours (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.).

In accord with diocesan policy, online preparation for baptism does not satisfy the canonical requirement that parents and godparents be prepared for the baptism of their children, especially when in-person preparation is provided in the parish.

 

Step 3. Scheduling the Infant Baptism.

Infant baptisms are celebrated generally in English on the first Saturday of the month and in Spanish on the third Saturday in the morning. As a rule, no more than ten children are baptized at a celebration.

Before the celebration of baptism can be scheduled, all documentation must be submitted. To schedule the baptism, contact us at Parish House at 463–1305 to inquire about available dates.

 

Step. 4. The Celebration of Baptism.

When the day comes for the celebration of baptism, arrive at the Cathedral church (400 West Rose Street) no later than 9:45 a.m. 

It is an ancient custom for each new Christian to have at least one Godparent, who “together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations” of this new life. (c. 872).

 

Only one male Godparent and one female sponsor or one of each are permitted for baptism (c. 873).

 

Godparents exercise an ecclesiastical office in the Church. For this reason, the Church has established certain qualifications to serve as a Godparent. A Godparent must:

• Be at least 16 year of age and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;
• Be a Catholic who has received confirmation and the Eucharist and leads a life of faith (e.g., if married, be married validly in the Catholic Church);
• Not be bound by any imposed or declared canonical penalty;
• Not be the father or mother of the child (c. 874 §1).

 

Godparents who are not Cathedral parishioners can have these qualifications verified by their proper pastor by completing a form available at the parish office.