The Sacrament of Baptism

Thank you for your interest in this great sacrament!  In Baptism we are put into Christ and become members of His Body, the Church.  We are washed clean of all our sins, made a new creation, and become children of God.  We are filled with the Life of God and made temples of the Holy Spirit.

For Adults:
If you are interested in being baptized as an adult, you will find more information at the Welcome Home - RCIA page under the Faith Formation tab.  Also, please call the office at (361) 575-2293 and let us know you are interested in being baptized.  We would love to meet you and are happy to help you take the next steps.

For Children and Adolescents:
If you have a child (ages 7-17) who is need of baptism and the other sacraments of initiation, please contact the CCD office at (361) 570-7854 so that your child may begin catechetical sessions.  You may also call the parish office and let us know that you would like to register your child for CCD.

For Infants and Young Children:
If you have an infant or young child (age 6 or younger) who you would like to have baptized, please contact the parish office at least 3 months before the desired date to begin your baptismal preparations.  The holy sacrament of Baptism is a very important first step into Life in Christ and involves connection to our community.  As you begin moving closer to God in this way, you are invited on a journey of faith with us.  We'll get you connected to trained volunteers from the parish who will welcome you and help you with the next steps.

When are Baptisms for Infants and Young Children?
Baptisms are offered every 3rd Sunday in Spanish and every 4th Sunday in English after the 2 p.m. Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows church.  To schedule your child to be baptized on one of these days, please contact the office first at least 3 months before your desired date to begin your preparations and to complete the necessary paperwork.

What are the Requirements for Godparents?
The purpose of a godparent is to help you raise the child in the Catholic faith, to support the parents in being disciples of Christ in the Catholic Church, and to be a constant and prayerful presence.  Godparents are not guardians of the child in the case of the parents' death.  Neither is this role merely honorary or ceremonial.  Who will help you raise your child to be a good Catholic?  That person should be chosen.  With such an important role, there are some requirements for godparents to ensure that they themselves are living the faith. Godparents must be Catholic, at least 16 years of age, be in good standing with the Church, and have all their sacraments of initiation.  If married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. There must be at least one but no more than two.  They must participate in the baptismal preparations with the parents.  There can only be one godmother, one godfather, or one of each.  If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female. Parents cannot be their children's godparents. Non-Catholics cannot be godparents. 

Are there Requirements for Parents?
Parents must be registered members of a Catholic parish. At least one parent must be baptized Catholic and/or in the process of completing all the sacraments of initiation, if necessary.  We can help you get registered with Our Lady of Sorrows if you are not connected to a parish yet.

What are the "Baptismal Preparations"?
For more information on the baptismal preparations, sign up on formed.org under Our Lady of Sorrows and look for "Reborn".  This program is a series of three videos on the sacrament and celebration of Baptism.