Baptism
The First Sacrament
Just as Jesus began his ministry through baptism, our own baptism is the first step in a life-long commitment to Discipleship. We are baptized as children into God’s community and baptized as adults when we consciously accept the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit into our hearts to become heirs of heaven. We put on our white garment of ‘immortality’ to join with Christ. With the sign of the Cross, we declare our intent to leave sin and separation behind, which seals and consecrates our commitment.
As we are baptized in the water and the Spirit, and/or with the laying on of hands, we are ‘anointed’ and joined with Christ in the fullness of the Eucharistic celebration and are fully welcomed into the Body of Christ and the Church community with the prayer of ‘Our Father...’
1218 Since the beginning of the world, water, so humble and wonderful a creature, has
been the source of life and fruitfulness. Sacred Scripture sees it as “overshadowed” by the Spirit of God. (12) At the very dawn of creation Your spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. (13)
https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3I.HTM
• From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
San Esteban programa bautismos cada cuarto sábado del mes en la iglesia. 10 AM en inglés y 12 PM en español.
Instrucción de Bautismo: Las clases de español se llevan a cabo el primer martes de cada mes a las 6:00 p.m. en el Salón 14 del Centro Espíritu Santo. Por favor traiga una copia del certificado de nacimiento del niño. Consulte la página de Requisitos de bautismo para obtener más información.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are baptisms at St. Stephen?
St. Stephen schedules baptisms every 4th Saturday of the month in the church: 10 AM in English and 12 PM in Spanish.
At what age can a child receive infant baptism?
Children under the age of 7 years old may be baptized through infant baptism. At 7 years old, a child must complete the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for children. Please contact Kathy Harmon at kathy@saintstephencc.org or Yolanda Ruiz at yolanda@saintstephencc.org for more details.
What are the requirements for parents?
- Both parents must agree to the child's baptism.
- Parent(s) must be registered members of St. Stephen for a minimum of 6 months.
- Parent(s) must provide a completed baptismal registration form.
- Parent(s) must provide a copy of the child's birth certificate.
- Parent(s) must complete a baptismal instruction class and provide a copy of the certificate.
What are the requirements for godparents?
- Godparents must be at least 16 years old and have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and First Communion.
- There must be at least one Catholic godparent. A baptized Christian may be in attendance as a witness.
- If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female.
- Godparent(s) must provide a copy of their sacramental certificate stating they received the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and First Communion.
- If godparent(s) are married, they must provide proof they were married in the Catholic Church.
- Godparent(s) must provide a letter of good standing if they are not members of St. Stephen.
- Godparent(s) must complete a baptismal instruction class and provide a copy of the certificate.
When are the baptism instruction classes?
English classes are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 9:15 AM in Room 10 of the Holy Spirit Center. The certificate is good for 2 years.
To register, complete the online form below.
Steps for scheduling a baptism
1. Read the Baptism and Godparents Requirements.
2. Parents and Godparents must register below to take the Baptismal Instruction Class.
3. Fill out the Baptismal Registration Form.
4. Once all forms are completed send them all together at one time via email it to emmafae@saintstephencc.org.
*Please indicate what date you would like for your child to be baptized.
For questions about receiving the sacrament of baptism in English, contact Emmafae Lemons at 682-582-8207 or emmafae@saintstephencc.org.
Para preguntas sobre cómo recibir el sacramento del bautismo en inglés, comuníquese con el diácono Mauricio Hernández al 682-582-8204 o
dcnmauricio@saintstephencc.org.
