Baptism
-
INFANT BAPTISM
Infant Baptism is for children from birth up until 7 years old. All children 7 years of age and older who have not been baptized will receive their sacraments through the Rite of Christian Initiation, adapted for children.
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the 2nd, & 3rd Saturdays each month at 9:30 am in English and on the 2 nd Saturday in Spanish at 10:30am. The schedule may change in April if
there is a conflict with the Easter celebration and May’s First Holy Communion masses. To schedule a Baptism or register for the required parent preparation class, please contact Paulette Blackburn at pblackburn@svdp-edu.org or 713-667-9111.
The baptism office is closed on Wednesdays
Since baptism is an incorporation into the Church, it is an ecclesial event, not a private family celebration. (Can. 860). Therefore, baptisms ordinarily take place in one’s parish church and,
if possible, during Mass so that the entire community participates in welcoming the newly baptized. Where this in not feasible, the baptism still should take place communally in the presence of as many of the community of the faithful as might be able to attend.
St. Vincent de Paul parish does not engage private baptisms.
Baptism Requirements for St. Vincent de Paul parish.
These are the requirements to get your baby baptized at St. Vincent’s.
1. You must take, or have taken, a Baptism Class in the last 3 years.
2. You need to complete a Baptism Registration Form.
3. Signed forms from each godparent.
4. A copy of the baby's official government Birth Certificate.
5. A copy of your government ID (driver’s license, passport etc.)
Who Can Be a Godparent?
Requirements for Godparents. One or two persons are permitted as godparent(s). It must be one male and/or one female. Godparents must be over the age of 16 and have received all of their sacraments including confirmation. If they are married they must be married in the Catholic Church or validated in the Catholic Church. Godparents must be a practicing Catholic. A non-Catholic Christian, could only be a “Christian witness.” In case that the parents choose to have a Christian witness, they must have a practicing Catholic godparent as well for their child. (CCL #873)
Baptism Class
Preparation class is required for the parents of children to be baptized. It is optional for the
Godparents at St. Vincent’s. Parents are instructed in the theology and significance of the
baptismal liturgy. The role of parents, godparents and family in the formation of these children is of the utmost importance to the Church. We offer free childcare during our evening English class only. Childcare must be pre-arranged.English and Spanish Baptism classes are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month (except January, July and September) @ 6:30pm - 9:00pm in the Msgr. Jamail Family Center. The pre-baptism class for parents (and godparents) has a fee of $10 (per person) for St. Vincent de Paul registered families and $20 (per person) for non-registered attendees.
Please contact the Baptism Coordinator, Paulette Blackburn at 713-667-9111 or pblackburn@svdp-edu.org, for registration information and forms.
The baptism office is closed on Wednesdays.
Helpful Hint:
This is a large parish, and we are booking baptisms up to 2 months in advanced for our next available dates, so please plan ahead.
ADULT BAPTISM
Parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Click here for RCIA page
Interested in joining the Catholic Church or have questions about the Catholic Faith?
Have a spouse, friend, family member or Fiancé that may be interested in becoming Catholic?
Formal Classes will begin in the Fall.
Contact Laura Rivera – Director of Faith Formation at lrivera@svdp-edu.org or 713-663-3528 for more information.