Baptism

Why Do We Need Baptism?

Baptism is the Beginning of a Life of Faith

The Catholic Church believes and teaches that Baptism is a sacrament, recognition of the life of Christ in the infant and a welcoming into this Christian faith and community. As a sacrament, it brings with it responsibilities and commitments to share the gift of faith. For an infant, that faith and commitment must come from the parents and sponsors.

The sacrament reflects the need for parents to publicly commit themselves to sustaining and nourishing the child’s faith. It is this public decision of the parents, supported and modeled by the Godparents, following study and reflection that is celebrated

Requirements

01. Parish Registration

Registration must be completed in person at the Parish office by one of the parents. In addition, at least one parent must either be a registered parishioner of Holy Trinity for a minimum of six months prior to the baptism date, or reside within the parish boundaries (based on zip code). If you are not registered but live within the parish boundaries, proof of residency (e.g., a utility bill) is required.

02. Practicing Catholic Parent

At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic who actively participates in the faith and is committed to raising the child in the Catholic tradition.

03. Child’s Birth Certificate

A copy of the child’s birth certificate must be submitted.

04. Baptism Preparation Class

Catholic parents and godparents are required to attend the Baptism Preparation Class at Holy Trinity unless they have completed the class within the past two years at this parish

Note: A $50 fee per child applies (cash or check only).

Godparents

A Godparent is a person who will assist or take the place of the parents (in case of disability or death) in bringing the newly baptized up in the Catholic faith. Every newly baptized must have a least one Godparent but no more than two. 

According to Canon Law:

  • A person may only have one or two godparents (also called sponsors); if two are chosen, they must be male and female.
  • In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must be chosen by the parents;
    • Have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role
    • Be at least 16 years of age
    • Be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received First Communion, and is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including Sacramental Marriage, if applicable)
    • Will be a good role model for the one being baptized (be neither the father nor the mother of the child.)

Important Things You Should Know

Questions And Answers

The Preparation Program gives parents and Godparents an opportunity to reflect on their own faith, to learn more about the meaning of the sacrament of Baptism, and to be made aware of the responsibilities of being Catholic parents or sponsors at baptism.

A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness (Code of Canon Law, cc. 872-874; Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255).

Holy Trinity Catholic Church does not celebrate private baptisms. All baptisms are celebrated communally once per month.

English: Second Sunday of each Month at 2:30 PM
Spanish: Third Sunday of each Month at 2:00 PM

Holy Trinity currently serves the zip code boundary within 75204, 05, 07, 09, 19, and 35.

If you have moved away, and are no longer celebrating Mass with us, or living within the zip codes we support, we will not be able to perform the baptism. Please reach out to the church you are currently attending. We would love for you to visit though!

Catholic parents and Godparent(s) for the child must attend the Baptism preparation program before their child’s baptism unless they have attended the program in the past two years at Holy Trinity. They will be automatically signed up for the class of the month the baptism will be held at unless they indicate otherwise.

Have Questions?

Please call us

214-526-8555

Church Office