The Necessity of Baptism
Baptism Guidelines St. Rose of Lima
We’re so happy to walk with you as you prepare for one of the most joyful moments in your child’s life — their Baptism. This is a beautiful first step in their faith journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Getting Started
If your child is under 7 years old and you would like to have them baptized at St. Rose of Lima, you’ll need to be registered here or at another parish. If you’re not yet registered, now is a great time to do so!
Preparation Process
The first step is to make an appointment with one of our priests or deacons. They’ll answer any questions and help you get started.
Parents and godparents must attend two preparation classes, held on the first and second Sunday of each month.
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Families attend the 9:00 AM Mass, followed by a one-hour class.
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Godparents may attend here or take the class at another parish and provide a certificate of attendance.
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If you’re only taking the class (not baptizing here), a $50 donation is requested.
Choosing Godparents
Godparents play a vital role in your child’s faith life. They must be:
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Practicing Catholics, at least 16 years old
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Have received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation
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If married, married in the Catholic Church
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Registered at a parish
Only one godparent is required, though two are traditional. If you have more, only two names can appear on the Baptism certificate.
Baptism Day
Baptisms in English are held on the fourth Sunday of the month at 2:30 PM.
All paperwork must be submitted by the Wednesday before the scheduled Baptism.
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Suggested donation: $100
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For families not registered at St. Rose, an additional $75 is asked.
Because Baptism is a celebration of the whole Church, private baptisms are only recommended in special cases, such as health concerns.
Please feel welcome to call our parish office with any questions. We look forward to celebrating this sacred milestone with your family!
Regarding the practice of infant Baptism
“There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic preaching, when whole ‘households’ received baptism, infants may also have been baptized.”
Clearly, Jesus, who said, “Let the children come to me,” (Mark 10:13) would not deny children access through the Sacrament of Baptism. As the Church proclaims:
“The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth.” Catechism 1250
Neither in the Bible nor in the Tradition of the Church, does it say that faith in Christ must come first before baptism in Christ. At the same time, the Church does insist that children must be evangelized and catechized so that they can one day embrace the mission of Jesus on their own.
Many Catholics who were baptized as infants come to see the Lord as their savior and make a conscious effort to renew their baptism and walk with Jesus.
Adult Baptism is also a common practice in the Church. An adult who enjoys a new faith in Jesus and desires to be baptized often matures in faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) before celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism.
Of course, Baptism is conferred only once, and all baptized Christians—Protestant, Catholic, Anglican or Orthodox—are incorporated into Christ. Catechism, 1271
To register your child for Baptism, please call the Parish Office (619) 427-0230
If you are interested in Adult Baptism, please visit RCIA page.