Infant Baptism

Infant Baptism

At Our Lady of the Assumption, we place a high value on welcoming children and their families into the Catholic faith. We look forward to sharing this wonderful time of grace with you and your family!

English Baptisms please call the parish office at (909) 626-3596 at least 4-6 weeks before the date of your Baptism to begin the process.

Spanish Baptisms, please call the parish office at (909) 626-3596 at least 4-6 weeks before the date of your Baptism to begin the process.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do we need to have our baby baptized?

First, call the parish office at (909) 626-3596 to schedule an orientation session. Please call 4 to 6 weeks before the date of Baptism. 

Second, the parents attend a private orientation session with one of the members of the baptism team. Please, bring a copy of the birth certificate with you.

Third, parents and godparents attend the baptismal preparation class in the church. Please check the schedule on this page for the class dates and times.

Baptismal preparation class may be attended at another parish. Please bring your certificate of attendance one week before the Baptism.

If parents or godparents have attended a baptismal preparation class here or at another parish within the previous 24 months, they may present those certificates instead. Please present certificates at least one week before Baptism.

When are classes and Baptisms scheduled?

Classes generally are held once a month. Baptisms usually occur twice a month. This information is given at orientation meeting.

How soon should we have our baby baptized?

Because God's gift of new life in Baptism is so important to your child and to your family's Christian life, you should not delay Baptism for any reason. We recommend that your baby be baptized within six months of birth, preferably earlier. You can take the required classes even before your baby is born.

What are the requirements for godparents?

According to The Code of Cannon Law of the Catholic Church (Can. 874) in order to be a godparent, a person must be a practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation; if married, they must have been married in the Catholic Church. One godparent is required, male or female. The maximum is two.

The church permits a baptized member of another Christian faith tradition to serve as a Christian witness in place of one godparent. Godparents and Christian witnesses must be at least 16 years of age.

If the godparents of your choice are not able to be present, any practicing Catholic -- including the parents -- may serve as proxies.https://ascensionpress.com/godparents

Must our child be baptized with a saint's name?

No. However, Catholic tradition values placing children under a saint's patronage. This patron saint then serves as a mentor in times of prayer and celebration, particularly on feast days and All Saints' Day.

What if we (the child's parents) were not married in the Catholic Church?

It is not mandatory that the parents be married in the Catholic Church, but it is preferable; Catholic marriage is an integral part of living fully the Catholic faith that you desire to share with your child. However, as long as you intend to take responsibility for raising your child in the Catholic faith, we do not refuse Baptism of the child. If you were not married in the Catholic Church, please advise the baptismal staff privately at your orientation.

How much will it cost to have our baby baptized?

As of May 1, 2019 our new fees are: $25 for Baptismal Preparation class and $75 for class and Baptism at our parish. This donation can be made on line using your credit card, the parish office or Faith Formation Center or on the day of your orientation meeting. 

In which parish should we have our baby baptized?

Parents should have their babies baptized in the parish where they attend Sunday Mass regularly. The parish should be a place your children become familiar with and feel spiritually at home from their earliest years. We ask that parents who want to have their babies baptized at Our Lady of the Assumption be registered parishioners of OLA and have a history of practicing their faith here.

What if we attend Mass at OLA each Sunday, but have not registered as parishioners here?

We ask that you please register as soon as possible at the parish office during regular business hours.

We grew up in this parish, and consider it to be our home parish, but we are now attending Mass at another parish. Can our baby still be baptized at OLA?

Of course! If you consider us to be your home parish, we will be happy to accommodate your wishes and baptize your baby here. However, you will need to get a letter from your current parish stating that you are active parishioners there. Then, we will be able to proceed with the Baptism process here at OLA.