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.

Therefore, we are so happy and excited you are interested in having your child baptized. There are two easy steps for you to follow:

First, we invite you to call the parish office and schedule an appointment to meet with a priest so that we can get to know you better. In order to help us get to know you, we ask that you download and complete the Baptismal Information Form prior to the appointment with the priest.

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

According to Canon Law and the policies of the Diocese of Phoenix:

• In the baptism of infants, 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 he/she 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.
• A godparent must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic, (baptized, confirmed and receiving the Eucharist), who is currently practicing their faith and at least sixteen years of age.
• A baptized non-Catholic may be chosen as a Christian witness provided there is at least one Catholic godparent.

Godparents will need to download and complete the Godparent Verification Form and have it signed/sealed by a representative from the Catholic parish they attend.

Secondly, before you can have your child baptized, parents need to attend the Baptism class. According to the Rite of Baptism, the child is baptized into the faith of the parents.

“Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present this child for baptism. By water and the Holy Spirit he/she is to receive the gift of new life from God, who is love. On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him/her up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives him/her is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in his/her heart. If your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, renew now the vows of your own baptism. Reject sin; profess your faith in Christ Jesus. This is the faith of the Church. This is the faith in which this child is about to be baptized”

Therefore, the purpose of this class, which is taught by parents, is to help you live out your responsibility as Christian parents. The class is taught on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in rooms 7 & 8. We ask you to please be on time for class. It is highly encouraged that both parents attend the class, as well as the godparents if possible.

Thank you and God bless.