Welcome! We at St. Bartholomew are happy to accompany you as you take these important steps toward baptizing your child.
What is Baptism? Baptism is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Through the waters of Baptism we are initiated into the Church, the Body of Christ. Baptism is a source of identity and Christian dignity. By the grace of this sacrament we are changed forever—we become a ‘new creation,’ adopted children of God, temples of the Holy Spirit, and are given a share in the divine life of Jesus Christ.
In Baptism, we are united with Christ and incorporated into his redemptive death on the Cross—freeing us from Original Sin and all personal sin—and causing us to rise with Christ to a life without end. Baptism offers the gift of eternal life.
1. Submit the Infant Baptism Registration Form |
2. Contact the Faith Formation Director Director to select a date for Baptism |
3. If you are not currently registered at St. Bartholomew, fill out the Family Registration Form online to join our parish |
4. Submit a copy of your child's Birth Certificate |
5. Attend a Baptism Preparation Class (Parents and Godparents) |
6. Prior to attending the Baptism Preperation Class, we encourage you to watch the following videos: Parents: Watch Sacraments 101: Baptism (Why We Baptize) (~6 min.) Godparents: Watch Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God - Role of Godparents (~6 min.) |
7. Submit the Godparent Verification Form (Review the Requirements to be a Godparent/Sponsor) |
8. Submit donation by mail or online (Please make checks payble to "St. Bartholomew"; Mail to 252 Granada Ave, Long Beach, CA 90803. If submiting online, please note "Baptism" in Comments section.) |
9. Attent the Rite of Welcome for Infant Baptisms the Sunday prior to Baptism |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be baptized at St. Bartholomew? Parishioners registered at St. Bartholomew who have attended an In-person Baptism Preperation Session.
> If you are not currently registered at
St. Bartholomew, fill out the Family Registration Form to join our parish.
Do we need to bring our own candle?
No. St. Bartholomew provides candles for baptism. We understand that, for some, it may be a family tradition to use a special candle. You may bring the candle for a blessing, but the candle cannot be lit in the church.
What is the recommended donation for a baptism? We recommend a minimum donation of $100. We ask that all donations be given prior to the baptism. Donations may be given in person or online. (If submiting online, please note "Baptism" in Comments section.)
Can children of unmarried parents be baptized? Yes, all children whose parents desire to raise them in the faith can be baptized.
When should a baby be baptized?
Babies are usually baptized within the first few weeks or months of birth. Once children are of school age, over the age of 7, they will be received into the church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for children.
What happens if a baby dies and is not baptized? This Busted Halo article by Fr. Joe Scott discusses this topic.
Resources
Baptism is the first sacrament we receive. It has its roots in the Old Testament with the cleansing of the earth in the Great Flood from the story of Noah's Ark. We see it as liberation when the Israelites cross the Red Sea from Egypt into the desert and also when they finally cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
In the New Testament, Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' mission. Before Jesus ascends into Heaven he tells his apostles, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (MT 28:18-20)
On Pentecost, the apostles begin their mission to preach to the entire world and to baptize: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call. He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. Those who acepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day." (Acts 2:28-41)
Today we have a slightly different preparation program in place. As the Church grew and people's understanding of original sin was formed, infant baptism became more prevalent. Christian parents want their babies baptized. Our focus here is on babies and children being baptized and how parental preparation is highly important.
The Catholic Church believes and teaches that it is the parent's primary responsibility to raise their child in the faith with the help of godparents, extended community and your parish.
Baptism is the sacrament in which our faith is founded upon and which engages us as living members in Christ and in his Church.”
-Pope Francis