Infant Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the 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 and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1213)

We are delighted that you are interested in having your child baptized at Corpus Christi Catholic Church and invite you to begin the process. You don’t have to wait for your child to be born to begin, you can get started at any time.

NOTE: If your child has reached 7 years of age, your child will need to go through the OCIA for Children process. Information can be found here: OCIA for Children.

Steps for Infant (0-6 years) Baptism

1. Baptism Prep Information Form
• Begin by completing our online Infant Baptism Preparation Information Form.
2. Interview
• Once we receive your completed form, an Evangelization Office staff member will reach out to you to set up an interview.
• Please bring your child’s birth certificate to the interview.
3. Baptism Prep Class
• Following the interview, you will need to attend a Baptism Prep class. These classes are offered on Sundays once a month from 10:00am-12:00pm.
• Parents need to attend (can be waived if attended a class within the past 3 years).
• Godparents need to attend (can attend at their home parish but must provide proof of attendance or confirmed by parish verification).
4. Documents – Must be turned in BEFORE Baptism can be scheduled
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• Baptism Prep Information Form Completed
• Interview Completed
• Baptism Prep Class Completed
• Godparent Online Information Form (and attached Baptismal Certificate) Completed
• Godparent Parish Verification Form Completed (obtain from godparent’s parish)
5. Schedule Baptism
• Baptisms are held twice monthly on Sundays following the 10:30am Mass.
• You will schedule the Baptism with the Director of Evangelization.

Godparent Information

Each child to be baptized will need to have at least one Catholic Godparent/Sponsor of your choosing.

In baptizing their child, parents take responsibility for choosing a godparent(s) who will serve as good examples for living the Catholic way of life. A godparent can later serve as a sponsor of the child when the child is confirmed.

It is customary to have two godparents, however only one is required for Baptism. A godparent may be either male or female. If two godparents are chosen, one must be male and one female.

According to Canon Law and the policies of the Diocese of Phoenix, requirements for godparents are as follows:

1. Be designated by the parents and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function.
2. Have completed the 16th year of age.
3. Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on. That includes being in a valid marriage and regularly attending Catholic Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
4. Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared.
5. Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized or confirmed. This includes stepparents and adoptive parents.

NOTE: If your selected individual does not meet the requirements of a godparent/sponsor, unfortunately, they will not be able to be a godparent/sponsor. If you have any questions, please contact the Evangelization Office.

Prospective godparents will need to complete the Godparent/Sponsor Information Form AND obtain signed and sealed verification by the Catholic parish they attend and return the original sealed form to the Evangelization Office. As part of the collection of godparent/sponsor information, the prospective godparent/sponsor needs to submit a newly issued (not older than six months) Baptism Certificate with notations. If Baptism Certificate does not have notations, they will need to additionally submit a confirmation certificate and a marriage certificate, if applicable.