“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
MATTHEW 28:19-28
Baptize my Child
Congratulations on this beautiful step in your child’s faith journey! Baptism is a joyful celebration of God’s love and a new beginning in the life of grace. At St. Stephen, we’re here to guide and support your family as you prepare for this sacrament.
Please review the following steps for baptizing your child at St. Stephen:
1. Parental Requirements
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Parents must be willing to bring their child up in the Catholic Faith. Baptism is the beginning of supernatural life, but it must be nurtured throughout life.
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Parents must attend a baptism preparation class here or at their parish.
2. Registration Form
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If you are interested in having your child baptized at St. Stephen or need to complete the baptismal prep class, please complete the following form and we will contact you with more information.
3. Choose your Child’s Godparents:
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Godparents have a special role in supporting your child’s faith journey. Choosing godparents is a meaningful decision, and we encourage you to prayerfully consider who can best fulfill this important responsibility.
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The Catholic Church requires that godparents meet the following criteria (Canon 874.1):
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Must be good examples and sources of support for both the child and the parents and be fully initiated members of the Catholic church.
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Must be confirmed and at least 16 years old.
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Must either be living a chaste life as a single person or be married in a valid Catholic marriage.
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Must be actively living their faith, attend Mass and confession regularly.
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Must attend a baptism preparation class here or supply proof of attendance from their local parish.
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Only one Catholic godparent is required.
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You may choose one or two godparents. If you select two, one must be male and the other female.
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Non-Catholic Christian Witnesses
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A baptized non-Catholic Christian may be a witness to the baptism, alongside a Catholic godparent. This person will be referred to as a Christian Witness, rather than a godparent.
4. Schedule Baptism
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After you have attended a Baptism Preparation Class, call or visit the parish office to schedule your Baptism date.
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English Baptisms are offered on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 9:00 am
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Spanish Baptisms are offered on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10:00 am or on the 4th Sunday of every month at 1:00 pm
5. Attend a Class
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Call the Parish to Register for a Baptism Class
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English baptism classes are offered on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00pm
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Spanish baptism Classes are offered on the 1st Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm
6. Baptism
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Come to your scheduled baptism time. The baptisms are scheduled after Mass so you can invite your family and friends to join you for Mass before your Child's baptism. After Mass has ended please make your way to the front pews for the baptism.
Baptismal Preparation at St. Stephen
Baptism Classes at our parish
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English baptism classes are offered on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00pm
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Spanish baptism classes are offered on the 1st Thursday of every month at 7:00pm
Baptism Schedule at our Parish
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English Baptisms are offered on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 9:00 am
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Spanish Baptisms are offered on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10:00 am or on the 4th Sunday of every month at 1:00 pm
The first of the seven sacraments, and the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the “sacraments of initiation” by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ.
When a Person is Baptized He or She Is:
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Made a new creation, an adopted son or daughter of God, who has become partaker of the divine nature. – CCC 1265
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A member of the Body of Christ, the Church. – CCC 1267
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Freed from the power of darkness and is brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God. – CCC 1250
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Able to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues; Given the power to love and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through
If you are seeking Baptism as an adult, visit our Becoming Catholic page. We are happy to celebrate your Baptism and your initiation into supernatural life.
If your child is over the age of seven, please check out our Family Faith Formation page.