Baptism is a celebration of life. It is the most important day of our life! Baptism is a mystery that defines us, marks us, penetrates us, and transforms us.

Through faith, we know God loves us. Everything flows from this. Through Baptism, we celebrate that we are children of God – loved by God, in every moment, in every way!

In the waters of Baptism we are plunged into the mystery of Jesus. St. Paul puts it clearly: "I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20). Baptism is God's work. It defines who we are: Christian. Baptism celebrates our relationship with God and with the Church, the People of God.

It is thus a very special event in the life of the Church!

Infant Baptism at Holy Family
Most children born into a Catholic family are baptized as infants. Arrangements should be made as soon as possible after birth. Once children have reached the age of reason (about seven), however, they are baptized after a formation process called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Adapted for Children.

Baptism is the beginning of a child’s journey of faith. Through the teaching example of parents and godparents, a child will grow to become a follower of Christ and an active member of the church. Holy Family has a special program, coordinated by the Baptism Ministry, to prepare parents and godparents for the sacrament of baptism.

Infant Baptism takes place on Sunday afternoon beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m. For details of the ritual, see The Rite of Baptism.

Requirements for Parents

• At least one parent must be a Catholic.
• Visit the Pastoral Center, where the receptionist will assist you.
• Bring an unofficial (from the hospital) or the official (from the state) birth certificate for the child to be baptized.
• Sign up for the Baptism Information Session and Baptism Sacramental Preparation Session.
• Attend the Baptism Information Session. These sessions are generally held Sunday evenings, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Pastoral Center or in a parishioner’s home.
• Attend the Baptism Sacramental Preparation Session. These sessions are generally held in the church on a Tuesday evening, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in church.

Requirements for Godparents

• At least one godparent is required. This person must be at least sixteen years old and a confirmed Catholic who lives their faith and is willing to accept the responsibility to support their godchild in the Catholic faith.
• Non-Christians cannot be godparents or Christian Witnesses.
• Godparents may attend the Baptism Information Session.
• Godparents must attend the Baptism Sacramental Preparation Session offered here at Holy Family (or a baptism class in their own parish if they are not Holy Family parishioners).

Quarterly Celebrations
Each quarter all families of recently baptized babies are invited to a special Sunday Mass where the assembly will have an opportunity to pray over and welcome our children into the Holy Family Catholic community.

Contact
Pastoral Center
Reception
(626) 799-8908