In the waters of Baptism, we are given a share in the life of God through sanctifying grace. Additionally, we become brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ in the family of God and we are made member’s of the Catholic Church with all rights, privileges and duties. It is to realize these effects of the sacrament of Baptism that the following requirements are made by the church for those who wish to have their child baptized at St. John Church.
The proper place for Baptism
1. The proper place for Baptism of the child is the parish of the parents. Parents desiring to have their child baptized must be a parishioner of St. John Nepomucene.
2. Parents who desire to have their child baptized at St. John Church, but do not live in the parish or are not registered in the parish, must present a letter from the pastor of their parish that states that they have permission to have their child baptized elsewhere.
Time of Baptism
At St. John Church, the following schedule is observed:
English Baptism: 3rd Saturday at 11:00am
Spanish Baptism: 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 11:00am
Allowances may be made for Baptism at other times after consultation with the parish office.
Requirements for Baptism for children (infant to 6 years old)
1. Any child of a Catholic family, with at least one parent being Catholic, is eligible for Baptism.
2. Parents and godparents of children to be baptized must attend the required Baptismal Preparation Class. Applications must be filled out and necessary documentation provided a week before attending the class.
3. Godparents are spiritual parents of the child to be baptized. They assume the responsibility of helping the parents raise the child a Catholic. They do this by their example by practicing their Catholic faith. For this reason, the following requirements exist for the godparents:
* The godparent must be a practicing Catholic. “Practicing Catholic” means that the godparent must be fully initiated into the Catholic Church (Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation) and participates actively in the church.
* The godparents must be at least 16 years of age and if married, have been married in the Catholic Church.
* One godparent is necessary. If two godparents are used, one must be male and one female. They may not be the parents of the child being baptized.
* A Christian witness is a baptized non-Catholic who may be a sponsor as long as the godparent is Catholic.
* A current Baptismal certificate of the godparents and/or Christian witness and a separate Godparent Registration Form for each godparent need to be presented with the application.
Please the following documents carefully and fill out the Application and the Godparent Registration Form. The Application and Godparent Registration Form may be printed out and returned to the Parish Office. A separate Godparent Registration Form must be submitted for each Godparent.
Click here to download the Baptism Procedures Information Sheet in PDF.
Click here to download the Baptism Application Form in PDF.
Click here to download the Godparent Registration Form in PDF.
Click here for the Spanish language version of the Baptism Procedures in PDF.
Click here for the Spanish Baptism Application in PDF.
For more information contact the parish office at 972-875-2834
English
Baptism Class: Generally on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM in room 103 of the compound. Call the parish office or check the parish calendar for specific dates.
Must have filled out registration form and submitted to the Business office before attending class.
For registration information call the parish office, 972-875-2834.
Spanish
Baptism Class: Third Saturday of each month at 9:00am in the room 101-102 of the Compound.
For registration information call the parish office, 972-875-2834.
[Painting: Baptism of Christ, Juan Fernández de Navarrete, “El Mudo” (1526-1579) By His Baptism, Christ “baptized the waters of baptism,” and we are able to have a relationship with God through the grace that is poured on us in Baptism and which flows from the Cross of Christ.]