Baptism is a Sacrament of Initiation by which we become members of the Body of Christ, the new people of God, the Church. Those who are baptized experience the beautiful symbol of "living water." In the waters of Baptism, a person truly participates in the dying and rising to new life with Jesus. It is through Baptism that we begin our journey of faith with God, supported by our Catholic Christian community.
1. Preparation class for parents.
2. Preparation class for godparents is recommended but not required.
3. Godparents meet qualifications.
4. Parents must be parishioners at St. Bernadette to baptize their child here. (See below for more details)
5. If not parishioners at St. Bernadette, then parents need a letter of permission to baptize their child outside their parish, sent directly from their pastor.
6. If you have difficulty with #4 or #5 above, you may need to consult directly with the pastor of St. Bernadette, Fr. Bob. See below for more details.
7. Turn in the following paperwork to the parish office before the preparation class (or before the baptism, if you've taken the class at a different parish, or if you've taken a class within the past three years):
A copy of both parents' photo ID (driver's license, passport, visa, etc.)
State-issued birth certificate for the child being baptized. (If the child has not been born yet, or if you haven't received this from the state yet, it must be provided before the baptism can take place.)
Letter of permission from your pastor, if you are not a St. Bernadette parishioner.
Documentation for the parents, if you've taken a class at a different parish, or if you've taken a class within the past three years.
The appropriate fee for the class and/or the baptism.
There is no fee for parishioners of St. Bernadette. The fee for non-parishioners is $25 per married couple or $25 for an individual. Please make checks payable to "St. Bernadette Catholic Church," and put "Baptism" in the memo line. You should mail or drop off the fee at the parish before the class takes place.
Classes are offered quarterly on Sundays, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in the Marius Room of the Parish Life Center:
Both parents must attend a preparation class, and are encouraged to attend before the baby is born (remember, you've got at least nine months, so plan ahead!). An infant should be baptized within the first weeks after birth, unless there is a serious reason for delay.
Parents, you can register for yourselves as well as for your godparents by calling the Parish Office.
Godparents, please call the Parish Office to register for class.
Parish Office number is 281 486 0337
Both parents are required and the godparent(s) are encouraged to take a baptismal preparation class. These classes are offered quarterly at St. Bernadette.
Classes from other parishes will be accepted if the parish sends us a letter or certificate indicating that you have taken the class.
Classes taken within the past three years, whether at St. Bernadette or at another parish, will be accepted.
Parents are strongly encouraged to register and attend their preparation class before their child is born.
The bottom line is: we want you to be active, because this is what God wants! The baptism of a child is a special time of conversion for the parents, a time when God gives many graces. He is mercy and love! So if you find yourself not actively practicing as a Catholic, please consider that now is the time to begin. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Deacon Kevin Woodvine our Sacrament Coordinator.
The answer is no, it is not required. But this is a great opportunity to do so, if you are presently not married in the Church. After all, the parents are the primary teachers of the faith to their children, and baptizing your children means that you want them to be raised as Catholics. So the example you set will have a deep impact on them. Ask to speak with the pastor or a deacon about having your marriage convalidated in the Church. Just call the parish office to set up an appointment. If you would like to get married in the Church but you were previously married and divorced, please contact the Parish Office to find out what the next step is.
Please contact Deacon Kevin Woodvine Sacraments Coordinator by phone
281 486 0337 ext. 104 or by email woodvinek@stbchurch.org