BAPTISM CLASSES AND LITURGIES

Baptism Classes are generally held the third Saturday of the month beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the Activity Hall. These classes are taught by Deacon Jesse Moreno. The schedule of classes and liturgies can be found below. For information or to register, contact the Parish Office at 806-894-2268.

INFANT BAPTISM

Parents who are seeking Baptism for their children are asking that their son/daughter be initiated into the Catholic Community of Saint Michael. The Church baptizes infants/children on the faith of the parents. The ideal is that the parents have a deep faith, which they actively live out in the experience of the Catholic Church Community. Children’s faith is learned from their parents.

GUIDELINES

To assist parents in preparing for the Baptism of their child, Saint Michael offers a baptismal preparation class. We ask that parents attend the program or provide a written statement from the Catholic Church where the classes were taken within the prior 24 months.

BAPTISM CLASSES

Baptism Classes are normally held on the 3rd Saturday of every month at 8:00 a.m.

• Attendance of parents and godparents is mandatory for the class.
• No children are allowed in class please make arrangements for babysitting.
• Registration for the class is required.
• If the class is taken at another parish a letter stating that it is completed is required.
• Birth Certificate of the child is required.
• For the Baptismal Rite, the child must wear white and you will need to purchase a baptismal candle (or one may be provided at the Church Office).

Please note that you have to be a Registered Member of this parish to have your child baptized here. It is the privilege of every parish to have their members baptized in their own parish church.

Parents and Godparents who do not belong to this parish, and yet wish to have their child baptized here must submit a certificate of their eligibility and a no objection certificate from the PASTOR of their home parish.

GODPARENTS

The godparent should be living an exemplary life consistent with faith and responsibilities of a godparent through Mass attendance and following the teaching of Christ’s Church.

• According to Canon Law; the law governing the Catholic Church, a godparent for a Catholic Baptism must be a fully initiated practicing Catholic. Non-Catholics may not serve as godparents for a Catholic Baptism.
• At least one godparent is required; no more than two are allowed.
• Can. 873 One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex.
• Can. 874 §1 to be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must: no.2o be not less than sixteen years of age.
• The godparent needs to be a mature Catholic Christian.
• The godparent must be fully initiated in the Catholic Church, that is, they must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Regular attendance at Mass is expected. Regular participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation is encouraged.
• If married, the godparent needs to be in a marriage considered valid in the Catholic Church. This may be acknowledged with a recent copy of the person’s Marriage Certificate. The godparent may be asked to provide this document to the Church office.
• The godparent/s must attend the class.

PARENTS

To register your child for baptism, the following should be done:

• Complete the registration form for Baptism at the Church Office.
• Provide the Child’s Birth Certificate; a copy will be in the Church Office and the original returned to you. The information on the Birth Certificate will appear on your child’s Baptismal Certificate. The Birth Certificate will be required before a Baptismal Certificate can be issued.
• There is a Mass Attendance Card the parents have to fill before the Baptism is scheduled, showing that the parents have attended Masses on Sundays.
• Baptisms are normally held on the fourth weekend of every month.

It is important that all the documents (Registration Form, Birth Certificate, Mass Attendance Card, etc.) and the attendance at class are completed prior to the Baptism. Your child’s baptism may be postponed if the necessary items have not been completed.

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There is no registration fee for the baptism of your child. However, donations to the parish are greatly appreciated.

Adult Baptism

Adults seeking the Sacrament of Baptism participate in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)