Sacrament of Baptism

On behalf of the staff of St. George Catholic Church, we warmly congratulate you on the birth (or upcoming birth) of your child. We are honored that you are seeking Baptism for your child and we assure you of our prayers as you prepare for this sacred moment.

Baptism is not simply a ceremony or a family tradition. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and the way your child is welcomed into the family of God and into the life of the Church.


What Is Baptism?

The Church teaches:


“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

Through Baptism:

  • we are freed from sin
  • we are reborn as children of God
  • we become members of Christ and His Church
  • we are called to share in the mission of the Church

At the beginning of the celebration, the Sign of the Cross is traced on your child’s forehead. This sign marks your child as belonging to Christ and reminds us that we are saved through His Cross (CCC 1235).


Baptism Is a Sacrament of Faith

Baptism is the Sacrament of Faith, but faith does not grow in isolation.


“It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe.”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1253)

Because infants cannot yet profess their own faith, parents and godparents do so on their behalf. When asked, “What do you ask of God’s Church?” the response is “Faith.” This faith is not expected to be perfect or complete, but it must be real and lived within the community of the Church.


A Sacred Responsibility

By choosing Baptism for your child, you are accepting a sacred responsibility entrusted to you by God and the Church.

To raise your child in the Catholic faith means making faith a lived reality in your home. This includes bringing your child to Sunday Mass faithfully, teaching them that the Eucharist is the center of our life as Catholics. It means creating space for daily prayer—at meals, before bed, and in moments of need—so your child learns to turn to God naturally.

To help your child grow in faith means actively forming them in what the Church believes and teaches. This includes enrolling your child in parish faith formation or Catholic school, preparing them for the sacraments, and reinforcing at home what they are learning in the Church. Faith grows through consistency, guidance, and example.

To walk with your child in faith means accompanying them through every stage of life—celebrating moments of joy, supporting them in times of struggle, and remaining present when questions or doubts arise. It also means continuing to grow in your own faith so your child sees that faith is not something we outgrow, but something we live more deeply.

Baptism is a precious gift given to your child, but it is also a lifelong mission given to parents and godparents—to nurture faith, to witness to Christ, and to lead by example.


Eligibility

Child

  • Child must be under 7 years old
  • If the child is 7 years or older, please contact the Parish Office
    📧         parish.office@sgccfw.org
    (OC    IA Adapted for Children or OCIA for Adults)


Parent Requirements

Parents must provide:

  • Proof of parish membership or
  • proof of residence within St. George parish boundaries
    (ZIP codes:         76111, 76117, 76137), or
  • a Letter of Permission from your home parish
  • Child’s original birth certificate
  • Proof of attendance at a Baptism Preparation Class

These requirements help ensure that families are prepared and supported in the responsibility of raising a child in the Catholic faith.


Godparent Requirements

Godparents are chosen to help parents guide their child in living the Catholic faith. This role is spiritual, not honorary.

Godparents must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Be a practicing Catholic
  • Be an active member of a Catholic parish
  • Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation
  • If married, be validly married in the Catholic Church
  • Submit a completed Godparent Form (provided by the parish)
  • Attend a Baptism Preparation Class

If a godparent is single, documentation of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation is required. In certain cases, only one godparent may be designated.


Baptism Preparation Classes

Location: Parish Office
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM

  • Spanish: 3rd Friday of the month (call to register)
  • English: Scheduled as needed (call to schedule)

These sessions help parents and godparents understand the meaning of Baptism and the responsibility they are accepting.


Baptism Celebration Schedule

Baptism dates are scheduled after all required documents have been received.

3rd Weekend

  • Saturday – 11:00 AM (Spanish/English, no Mass)
  • Saturday – 5:30 PM English Mass
  • Sunday – 11:30 AM Spanish Mass

4th Sunday

  • Sunday – 9:30 AM English Mass
  • Sunday – 1:30 PM Spanish Mass

Important Note

Baptisms are not celebrated during the seasons of Advent or Lent, as these seasons are times of preparation and reflection for the entire Church.


Ready to Begin?

If you have questions or would like to begin the Baptism process, please contact the Parish Office. We are happy to walk with you as you prepare to welcome your child into the life of the Church.

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