The Sacrament of Baptism

The following policies and procedures are designed to provide you with the information you will need to prepare for this important day in your child's life. You are asked to review the information and follow the guidelines to ensure that the baptism is done in accord with Church Law and tradition.

Baptisms in Spanish are offered every 3rd Sunday of the month. Baptisms in English are offered every 4th Sunday of the month. If there are 5 Sundays in a month, Baptisms are offered on the 3rd and 4th Sundays only.

1) For those wishing to baptize:

• Registration must be done in person at the rectory a month prior to the date of baptism.
• Registration application will be good for six months only.
• a State issued Birth Certificate of the child must be presented at the time of registration

2) Those wishing to baptize must currently be registered members of OLS/ST.

• If you are not registered or no longer live in Victoria:
  • you must have a letter from the pastor of your home parish giving OLS/ST permission to baptize your child.
  • The letter must be presented at the time of registration.
  • No baptism will be scheduled without proof of parish registration

3) While two Godparents are the standard number for Baptisms; a single   Godparent is also sufficient according to Canon Law.

4) Requirements for Godparents:

• must be Catholics who are at least 16 years of age
• have received the sacraments of full initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion
• must be married in the Catholic Church
• Should you ask if a non-Catholic Christian can be a Godparent; the answer is "No" in regard to the Baptism. The non-Catholic can participate as a Christian Witness and must have a letter attesting to their own Christian Baptism from their pastor/minister
• can be a witness only--their name will not appear on any document of baptism; only the Catholic Godparent will be listed on the Baptismal Documentation.
• If Godparents are not parishioners, they must provide a letter from their pastor which should be presented at least one week prior to the baptism attesting to their qualifications to be a Godparent.

5) All parents and godparents must attend a Baptismal Preparation Class if they have not attended one in the past two years. Baptismal Preparation Classes are offered at Our Lady of Sorrows during the months of: January, April, July and October. They are held on the Second Sunday of the months listed at 6 p.m. Baptisms in Spanish are offered every 3rd Sunday and Baptisms in English are offered every 4th Sunday. If there are 5 Sundays in a month, Baptisms are offered on the 3rd and 4th Sundays only. Please call the office to register for the next Baptismal class or to schedule a Baptism for yoour child. If the Godparent was unable to attend one of the classes here; they must provide proof that they have attended a Baptismal Preparation Class elsewhere, prior to the scheduled baptism.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so that you will have to sign in. We ask that you do not bring your children or babies to the class.
Please call the parish office: (361) 575-2293 for questions.