Baptism

Process and Policy for the Sacrament of Baptism

Dear parents,

The community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church rejoices with you at the birth of your child. We welcome you with great joy as you desire to bring your son or daughter to receive new life in the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Baptism. This sacred moment is a blessing for your family and for our Parish community.

I. General Requirement for Infant Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism for children is celebrated for those under the age of seven.
Children seven years and older are to be enrolled in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)—a two‑year formation program through which candidates receive the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.

 

II. Selection of Godparent(s) and Godparent Requirements

 

Parents may choose one Godparent (male or female) or two Godparents (one male and one female). The Godparent(s) must meet the following Church requirements.

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must be a practicing Catholic and regularly attending Mass
• Received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation
• If married, must be sacramentally married in the Catholic Church

 

III. Required Documents and Preparations

Parents must come to the Parish Office and complete a Baptismal Registration Form, and present the original birth certificate of the child. A donation of $100 is recommended.

Parents will be given a Godparent Certification/Affidavit Form. The form must be completed by the Godparent and the Godparent’s Pastor. When completed, the original Godparent Certification/Affidavit Form must be returned to the Parish Office.

 

A date for the Baptism Preparation Seminar and the Baptism Ceremony will be scheduled only after all required documents have been submitted.

IV. Baptismal Formation Training Class

 

Parents and Godparents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Seminar.

 

Parents will attend the Baptismal Class here at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on the First Saturday of the month at 3:00 PM.

 

The Godparent(s) may also attend the Baptismal Class here on the First Saturday of the month. Godparent(s) unable to attend here, must attend and complete a Baptismal Preparation Class at their home Parish. A letter or certificate of participation and completion of the Baptismal Preparation Class must be submitted to the Parish Office.

 

V. Baptism

 

The Parish Office, once they have received all necessary and original documents plus the donation, and the Parents and Godparent(s) have completed the Baptism Preparation Seminar, the Administrative Assistant will schedule a date for the child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

 

The Celebration of Baptism in English is scheduled for the Second Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM and the Celebration of Baptism in Spanish is scheduled for the Fourth Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM. Baptisms cannot be scheduled outside the Parish’s designated dates.

 

Thank you for choosing to share the joy of your child’s new birth in Christ with our parish family. We look forward to accompanying you as your child begins their journey of faith.

May God bless you abundantly and fill your home with peace, joy, and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

(Rev. 6/9/26)