Baptism

Baptism is a joyful beginning. In this sacrament, we believe God makes us his children, frees us from sin, and brings us into the life of Christ and his Church. It is the first of the seven sacraments and opens the way to the rest of sacramental life.

Baptism is more than a family milestone or a beautiful ceremony. Through water and the prayer of the Church, God gives the baptized person a new identity in Christ and welcomes them into a people who will pray with them, worship with them, and help them grow in faith. For a child, the parents and godparents make a real promise to raise that child in the Catholic faith. For an adult, Baptism begins a freely chosen life of faith and belonging.

Whether you are considering Baptism for yourself or preparing for a child, we would be glad to help you find the right next step.

Baptism Brochure

Who is being Baptized?

An Adult

If you are an adult who has not been baptized, we invite you to begin with Considering Catholicism. You do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out. That path gives you room to ask questions, learn about the Catholic faith, and explore the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), the Church’s process for adults who are preparing to become Catholic. OCIA is not a test that you must pass before anyone will talk with you. It is a patient process of inquiry, prayer, learning, and preparation. We will meet you where you are, whether you are just beginning to wonder about Catholicism or are ready to take a more definite step.

A Child Age 7 or Older

The Church recognizes the age of reason at about age 7, when a child is beginning to understand and take part in the life of faith in a new way. A child who is 7 or older and has not been baptized is prepared differently from an infant or younger child. Rather than following the infant-Baptism process, the child and family will be welcomed into an age-appropriate path of learning, prayer, and preparation through OCIA. This allows the child to understand, in a way suited to their age, the faith they are entering and the sacraments they may receive. Please contact the parish office so we can talk with you about your child and the best next step for your family.

A Child Younger Than 7

Children younger than 7 are ordinarily baptized through the parish’s infant and young-child Baptism process. The child’s parents and godparents prepare together so they can help the child grow in the Catholic faith. Parents sometimes worry that they need to know every detail before calling. You do not. The parish will guide you through the preparation, explain the promises you will make, and help you choose godparents who can support your child’s life of faith.

Getting Started

To begin preparing for your child’s Baptism, please contact Ann Nelson at the parish office. She can help you understand the process and the next steps.

Before a Baptism date is scheduled, parents and godparents must return the required forms and complete Baptism preparation. If you are registered at another parish, written permission from that parish is needed for Baptism at Christ on the Mountain. There is no fee for Baptism. A free-will offering may be given at the discretion of the parents or godparents.

Choosing Godparents

Godparents stand with the parents during the celebration of Baptism. They also help encourage and support the child as he or she grows in the Catholic faith.

Traditionally, a child has two godparents, one man and one woman. Only one Catholic godparent is required. A Catholic godparent must:

  • Have received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Not be the child’s parent

  • Be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass regularly

  • If married, be married in the Catholic Church

  • If single, be living according to Church teaching

  • Have attended a Baptism preparation class within the last two years

  • Complete and sign a Godparent/Sponsor Eligibility Form in the presence of a priest

When there is one Catholic godparent, a baptized, practicing non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness.

We Are Glad to Help

Questions are welcome. Contact Ann Nelson at the parish office to begin preparing for Baptism or to talk through your family’s situation.

Call the parish office: 303-988-2222