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. 

Requirements for the Parents:

1. At least (1) one parents must be a practicing Catholic.
2. Both parents must agree that the child is to be baptized and raised according to the Catholic faith.
3. The parents must be either a) members of St. Bernadette Catholic Church or b) live within the geographical boundaries of St. Bernadette Catholic Church (zip code 77062).  
4. If the parents are not parishioners at St. Bernadette, then parents need a letter of permission to baptize their child outside their parish, sent directly from their pastor.  The letter can be faxed to 281 218 9440 or sent by regular mail.  
5. Both parents must have taken a baptism preparation class at St. Bernadette or another Catholic Church within the last three years.  

1. Must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
2. Must be a practicing Catholic (means regular mass attendance and frequent reception of the Sacrament of Eucharist and Reconciliation).
3. If married, must be married in the Church by a priest or deacon.
4. There were no impediments  to marriage (meaning if there was a previous marriage it must be annulled prior to being a sponsor).  
5. You are only required to have one sponsor.  
6. If there are two sponsors, they must be male and female.
7. A non-Catholic Christian who has received the Sacrament of Baptism within his or her tradition  may act in the place of the second sponsor as a Christian Witness.  
8. The preparation class for sponsors is recommended and encouraged but not required. 

• A copy of both parents' photo ID (driver's license, passport, visa etc.)
• The original state-issued certificate for the child being baptized.  (if the child has not been born yet, or you haven't received this from the state yet, the baptism cannot be scheduled until we receive the document.)  A hospital-issued Verification of Birth facts cannot be used.  
• Letter of permission from your pastor, if you are not a parishioner of St. Bernadette or live in zip code 77062.  
• Docementation from a Catholic Church indicating you have taken a baptism class within the last 3 years.  If you attended the class at St. Bernadette, no documentation is required.  We have your information on file.  
• The appropriate fee for the class if required.  

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 few months after birth, unless there is a serious reason for delay.

In 2020, our classes are: April 26, July 26th, and October 25th at 1 pm in the Marius Room of the PLC. 

There is no fee for parishioners of St. Bernadette.  The fee for non-parishioners is $35 per married couple or $35 for an individual. 

When registration for the April class is open, there will be a link below that will direct  you to sign up.

...I am not an active Catholic?

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.  Please call Deacon Kevin at the number below with your questions.  

...I was not married in the Church?

No you are not required to be married in the Church to baptize your child, but this is a great opportunity to do so.  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. Call the Parish Office and ask to speak with the pastor or a deacon about having your marriage convalidated in the Church.  If you would like to get married in the Church but you were previously married and divorced, please call or email the Parish Office at the number below to find out what the next step is.