Baptism

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

"Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
 Catechism #1213

The Sacrament of Baptism is the foundation up which all the other sacraments are built. Baptism washes away original sin and at baptism the Holy Trinity comes to dwell in the inmost depths of the child’s soul, which is called sanctifying grace. This Sacrament of Initiation makes someone a member of the Body of Christ, the Church, and therefore enables him or her to receive the graces of all the other sacraments.

Baptism is more than just water and words: the sacrament begins the child’s connection to the Church and so fittingly takes place in a physical church, with a priest or deacon representing Jesus Christ initiating the child into the life of the children of God, along with other members of the faithful who likewise gather to give thanks to God for His gifts to the child.

Infant Baptism (infant to 7 years)

Congratulations on the birth of your child! Now is the time for your child’s baptism, which is the foundation of the Christian life. It is a new birth where a child becomes an adopted child of God.

A baptism preparation class is required for the parents of a child 7 years and under prior to scheduling a baptism.

The Baptism class is held in both English and Spanish the last Monday of every month at 6:30pm, downstairs in the St. Joseph Center.

Adult Baptism (8 years and older)

For anyone 8 years of age or older, the child or adult will need to go through Sacramental classes either through Faith Formation or OCIA. Please contact the Director of Faith Formation for more information.

Requirements to be a Godparent:

Godparents play an important role in Baptism. As you are choosing a Godparent for your child, please see the below qualifications needed to be a Godparent.

1. Because the Catholic Godparent serves as a role model who will support the candidate on his or her faith journey, he or she must be a Catholic who fully participates in the sacramental life of the Church. Attending a Baptism class is required.
2. The Catholic Godparent must be at least 16 years old and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Eucharist.              Please present a copy of Confirmation Certificate
3. If married, the Godparent must be married according to the regulations of the Catholic Church (one cannot be divorced and remarried unless any prior marriages have been validly annulled).                                                                     Please present a copy of Catholic Marriage Certificate.
4. If single, the Godparent must not be living as if they were married, cohabitating or living in a relationship that may be considered a marriage.
5. The Godparent cannot be the parent of the Candidate.
6. If two Godparents are chosen, they should be one male and one female, according to Canon Law.
7. A non-Catholic baptized Christian may only serve as a Christian witness to a Baptism, but one Catholic Godparent must be present to celebrate the baptism.

We look forward to celebrating this joyous occasion with you and your family at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. May the sacrament of Baptism be a beautiful and transformative moment in your child's spiritual journey and may God's grace continue to guide and bless your family.

Please contact the church office to schedule your class. Phone: 931-645-6275

if you cannot attend the class in person on the scheduled day, please use the following link to Catholic Baptism Prep to schedule your online course.  Please print and bring certificate to the office to schedule your baptism.