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Old Saint Mary's Cathedral welcomes families who bring their children for initiation into the Christian community through Baptism

We are excited to help you with the baptism of your child. Baptism brings new life into the Church and the parish.

 

Please fill out our Baptism Request Form and send it to Fr. Ivan Tou, CSP or drop it off at the front desk.  He will contact and guide you through the process of celebrating this amazing sacrament and help you arrange to attend a baptismal preparation class.

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If you have further questions, please contact Fr. Ivan at 415-288-2830 or by e-mail.

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Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help you.

 

What is Baptism?

”Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway 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 children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is a sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (Catechism 1213) Through baptism, we become part of the royal, priestly people of God, called to holy lives of prayer and service.

 

How Do I prepare My Child for baptism?

Please fill out our Baptism Request Form and send it to Fr. Ivan Tou, CSP or drop it off at the front desk.  He will contact and guide you through the process of celebrating this amazing sacrament and help you arrange to attend a baptismal preparation class.

 

Where And When Do Baptisms Take Place?

Baptisms take place in the Chapel in Old St. Mary’s.  If you're an active parishioner, we'll try to celebrate at the Sunday Mass you attend.  If you're not as active, we try to find a daily Mass so there is a worshiping community to welcome your child into the faith and community.   If for other reasons such as mixed marriage or the convenience of family and friends attending, we'll celebrate outside of Mass.  The date and time will be set when you meet with the priest.

 

How Far Ahead Do I Need To Plan?

Please call about two months before you desire your child to be baptized.   This will allow time for the preparation class and getting the date and time you desire. We welcome your call even prior to the birth of your child.

 

What Are The Requirements?

The minimal requirements are as follows:

1. One of the parents must be a baptized and practicing Catholic

2. One of the godparents must be a baptized, confirmed and practicing Catholic

3. Both parents and godparents are to attend the baptism preparation prior to baptism.

 

Who Can Be A Godparent?

To be a Catholic godparent, one must:

• be a Catholic who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and regularly participates in the Eucharist

• be an active member of a Catholic faith community

• be at least sixteen years old

 

When Choosing A Godparent For Your Child, It May Be Helpful To Consider The Following:

• Is this person actively practicing his or her faith? Does he or she worship at Sunday Eucharist regularly? (This is the most important question to ask. If the person selected is not an active, practicing Catholic, he or she will not be able to fulfill effectively the role of godparent.)

• Does this person live close enough, or will this person have sufficiently frequent contact, to get to know your child and play an active role in your child's faith life?

• Does this person know enough about the Catholic Church and Catholic faith to be able to teach your child about it?

• If something happened to you, would this person make sure your child was raised as an active member of the Catholic Community?

 

Can A Non-Catholic Be A Godparent?

Some families may wish to have a non-Catholic Christian also serve as a godparent for their child.  Although one Catholic godparent is required for baptism, a second baptized (non-Catholic) Christian may serve as a "Christian witness."   This Christian witness participates in the celebration and stands alongside the godparent during the baptismal ceremony.

 

What If A Godparent Cannot Come To The Actual Celebration?

You can have a proxy stand in for the godparent(s).  Please let the staff know, so they can record the name of the proxy on the baptismal certificate.

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I Am An Adult or A Child Past The 2nd Grade.  What Do I Need To Do To Be Baptized?

The process for baptism for adults and non-infants is through the Order of Initiation for Adults (OCIA).  At the age of reason, the Catholic Church uses the ancient rites where one prepares and celebrates all three sacraments of initiation - Baptism - Confirmation - First Eucharist.  You can find out more by visiting our OCIA page.  For more information contact Fr, Ivan Tou, CSP

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What If I Have Been Asked To Be A Godparent And Need a Preparation Class?

Please fill out our Godparent Preparation Request Form and send it to Fr. Ivan Tou, CSP or drop it off at the front desk.  We'll contact you to arrange a class time that works with your schedule.