Baptizing Your Baby

Baptism is the beginning of the journey of faith for your child. Through baptism, your child will receive the Holy Spirit and becomes a disciple, a follower of Christ and a member of God's family, the Church. It is your responsibility as the child's parents to be the role models for your child on this journey of faith. This is why we have a special program to prepare the parents and godparents and to help them raise their consciousness about this important responsibility that God has entrusted to them.

Parents should see to it that their children are baptized within a reasonable period after birth. Arrangements for baptism should be made as soon as possible after birth, or even before the birth of the child.

If the child to be baptized is 6 years of age or older, then you need to contact the Religious Education Office at (818) 240-6551 ext. 220 to arrange for the baptism.

Requirements For Baptism

• At least one parent must be a Catholic and both parents must be willing to raise the child in the Catholic faith.

• Godparents are individuals who should be part of the life of the child and are willing to accept the responsibility of supporting their godchild in learning and living the Catholic faith through their own example.
• Usually a godfather and a godmother are chosen for each child to be baptized. However, you may also choose to have only one godparent. The godparents should be at least 16 years of age, baptized and confirmed Catholics, who have received their first communion, practicing their faith, and if married, must be married in the Catholic Church.
• If you choose to have only one godparent, then a person who is baptized Christian can serve as a "Christian Witness".
• The godparents and Christian Witnesses must also attend the baptismal preparation class at Holy Family or provide a certificate of completion of a similar class in another parish.
• The godparents do not need to take the baptismal preparation class if they have taken such a class within the last 2 years.

All the sacraments are free, the same as God's love for us. However, we ask you to help support the Church by making a donation at the time of registration of your child's baptism. The suggested donation is $50 for the Baptism.

If because of unusual circumstances, in your present situation, you are unable to participate in the baptismal program, please contact one of our parish priests to discuss other possibilities.

Steps For Having Your Child Baptized

• You will need to complete the application form (Baptismal Form) (Forma para Bautismo).
   
• You will need to turn in a copy of your child’s birth certificate to the office. If you have not received your certified birth certificate yet, a proof of the birth from the hospital will be sufficient.
   
• Once you have these two items you may turn them in to the Parish Office along with a $50 donation. Once these three items have been completed the secretary will schedule you an appointment with Deacon John Steele.
   
• Baptismal classes are held in English on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 10:30am in Room 13 in the Grade School. The classes are held in Spanish on the 4th Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the Life Teen Room.

• English baptisms are the 1st Sunday of the month at 2:00pm. Spanish baptisms are the 3rd Sunday of the month at 2:00om. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before.