Baptism

Congratulations! You may be awaiting the birth of your child, have a newborn, or have a child who is several months old. No matter the stage of parenting you are currently in, you have been entrusted with a great gift from God. In your role as parent, you will serve as the first and most influential teacher of your child's faith (among other things). We look forward to helping you in this role through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Catholic Church. The waters of Baptism symbolize life and death, washing and cleansing, and the mystery of new life out of death. At the baptism of a child (or any person), we celebrate and reflect on God's unconditional love in the washing away of original sin, and welcome that child into our faith.

At Santa Maria, baptisms may be celebrated at our weekend Masses or on a scheduled Sunday afternoon at 12:15pm approximately every other month.

• At least one parent must be Catholic
• Both parents must attend our Baptismal Preparation process, offered here at Santa Maria
• Godparent(s) must be at least 16 years old, a confirmed Catholic, practicing their faith, and willing to accept the responsibility of supporting their godchild in faith
  • If you have only one godparent, then that person may be either male or female. If you have two godparents, then one must be male and the other female.
  • Catholic godparents need to supply copies of their Baptism and Confirmation certificates, and their parish pastor will complete a godparent letter for them, which Santa Maria will supply.​​

* Contact: the Parish Office | 925-254-2426 | [email protected]