Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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." CCC 1213

Our Lady of Sorrows Infant Baptism Policy

1. To register for baptism, please call the parish office to set up a meeting with our pastor or parochial vicars. Please bring the child’s birth certificate and completed baptism registration form with you. The baptism registration form can be obtained online here: Baptismal Registration Form, or at the parish office. 

2. Parents must attend a baptism preparation class. The purpose of these classes is to convey an understanding of baptism in the Church, to help parents recognize their responsibility and role in the development of their child’s faith, and to welcome young families into our parish family. Godparents are also encouraged to attend. Baptism classes are held one hour before the Baptism. These classes are also offered at other local churches. If the parents take the class at any parish other than this one, they must provide proof of attendance by either a certificate of attendance or a letter from that church’s pastor. If the parents have taken Baptismal Preparation Classes within the past three years, this requirement is waived.

3. Ordinarily, children are baptized in your home parish. If you are not registered in this parish, a Letter of Permission from your home parish is necessary.

1. Must be at least 16 years of age.

2. At least one godparent is needed; a fully initiated (having received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation), practicing Catholic, registered in a parish. There may be two godparents, one man and one woman; both must be fully initiated practicing Catholics. If married (to anyone), they must be in a valid marriage (married by a priest). Please provide proof of Confirmation, if single. Confirmation and Marriage, if married.  If they are not members of this parish, they must obtain a letter of Good Standing from their home parish. As long as there is one godparent who is a fully initiated practicing Catholic, a baptized practicing non-Catholic Christian can be designated as a Christian Witness to the baptism. In this case, a letter from the Christian Witness’s pastor is necessary, stating that they are in good standing in his or her church.

3. Must be someone other than the parents of the child to be baptized.

4. Must be leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to assume.

Fore more information, please call 210.732.6295 or email us at [email protected]