Baptism for Children (0-6 Years)
“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 sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.'”
Catechism, 1213
In the Catholic Church, we refer to any child before the “age of reason” as an “infant” (6 years old or younger). Baptisms are on Sundays at 11:30 (after the 10:00 am Mass).
We would love to connect with you about getting your child baptized at OLV.
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Requirements
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Parents must be willing to bring their child up in the Catholic Faith. Baptism is the beginning of supernatural life, but it must be nurtured throughout life.
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Parents must attend a baptism preparation class here at Our Lady of the Valley.
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Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are at least 16 years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
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If married, the Godparent must be married in the Catholic Church or had their marriage Convalidated by the Catholic Church.
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Godparent Eligibility Form button below to access the form.
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If baptism prep classes were attended at another parish, letters of class completion from the Catholic church where you and your child’s godparents took the class.
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The baptism will not be scheduled until all necessary documents have been received and the classes are completed.
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Step 1
INITIAL INFORMATION MEETING WITH EMMA, DIRECTOR OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE (30 MINUTES)
DISCUSSION FOR THE MEETING:
Your story, The process of Baptism, Necessary paperwork for your file, (including)
- Baptismal information Form (signed by parents)
- Godparent/Sponsor Eligibility Form (signed by Godparents & sealed by their home parish
- Registration Form attesting to your own sacramental communion with the Church
- Baptismal preparations and class information
Step 2 - Baptismal preparations and class information:
Parents and Godparents are both required to complete a baptismal class prior to the
sacrament.
The class information is given at the initial information meeting.
CLASSES MUST BE COMPLETED AND COURSE WORK RETURNED TO THE OFFICE PRIOR TO SETTING A DATE
If families or Godparents have taken a baptismal class previously, we ask for a certificateof completion when returning their Godparent/Sponsor Eligibility formBaptisms are scheduled after the 10am Mass on Sundays. Baptisms are typically done in a group setting, with multiple families on each Sunday. We ask that families meet at the front of the church by 11:30am. Sacraments begin once clergy is ready between 11:30am & 11:45am. Photographs and videos are allowed. Catholics are asked to fast prior to the sacraments. Catholics are asked to go to confession prior to any sacrament – please check the schedule for confession times.
Modest attire for the respect and reverence of the real presence of The Lord with appropriate necklines and knee length or longer if shorts or dresses are worn for all guests and attendees.
OLV provides a small white garment & candle for each child. Baptismal certificates will be signed after the sacrament and given to each family.​
WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE BAPTISMS AT OTHER TIMES DURING THE WEEK
THERE ARE NO BAPTISMS SCHEDULED DURING LENT/HOLY WEEK.
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The first of the seven sacraments, and the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the “sacraments of initiation” by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ.