Baptism

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“Go therefore 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.” Matthew 28:19-20.

About Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gate way to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and the word.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 1, 1213)

Baptism by Age Group

  • for Infants (newborn to 6 years old), contact the Rectory Office at (408) 988-4585
    • You can find the general outline of requirements for infant baptism further down this page.
  • for Children (7 to 17 years old), contact the Catechism Office at (408) 988-7543
  • for Adults, contact the Adult Religious Education Office at (408) 988-7543 Ext. 1113

Catholic Church’s Requirements for Choosing Godparents

The Church asks that the parents make a serious promise to raise the child Catholic. This starts with choosing godparents who are practicing Catholics who vow to guide the child in the faith.

  1. They should be at least 16 years of age.
  2. They must be practicing Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. These are the Sacraments that equip us to live as true Christian disciples and adults in the faith, being able to give to others what we ourselves have received and live out.
  3. They must lead a life in harmony with the Catholic faith (e.g. not living in an immoral situation). Fallen away Catholics may not serve as godparents or Christian witnesses.
  4. Must be practicing Catholics who attend Mass on Sundays (or Saturday Vigil), Holy Days of Obligation, and regularly receive Holy Communion.
  5. If they are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. Those who are married outside the Church or who are living together with their partner may not be godparents.

The Code of Canon Law states: “A Sponsor … must be a Catholic who has been confirmed, has already received the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist, and who leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. (Can. 893)”.

Christians from another Church may act as Christian witnesses for the baptism; however, there must be at least one Catholic godparent who does qualify. You are able to have up to 2 official godparents, one male and one female.


Infant Baptism

Contact and visit the rectory office to prepare your infant (newborn to 6 years old) for baptism.

There are a number of steps involved to prepare for baptism, and our staff will provide you with the detailed information needed.


Bautismo para niños

Contacte y visite la oficina de la rectoría para preparar a su bebé (recién nacido a 6 años de edad) para el bautismo.