Baptism

• The Quick Overview

1. Baptisms for children under the age of 7 may take place almost any weekend of the year.
2. Baptisms for children age 7 and over require a special class in which they will get all their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation) following at least a year-long preparation that begins each fall. The preparation may be longer if the pastor and instructors consider it necessary (i.e., if the parents aren't participating in the process, or the child is missing too many classes, etc.). 
3. Parents do not have to be married or together for their child to be baptized, but their should be some meaningful living of a life of faith (Baptism isn't just something we "do"). If both parents share custody, there must be agreement that baptism can happen. Children under the care of legal guardians may be baptized by consent of the legal guardian(s).
4. Godparents aren't required, but certainly strongly encouraged. Only one is necessary, but if there are two, there must be one man and one woman. 
5. Godparents must be living an active Catholic life: if they're married, they must be married in the Catholic Church; they cannot be cohabitating (living together with someone outside of sacramental marriage); they must be at least 16 and have had all their Sacraments of Initiation (see above); they must be currently registered at this or their home parish for at least 3 months. 
6. If your child does not carry the name of saint as his or her first or middle name, please consult with the pastor to select one. This is required in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. 
7. Parents and godparents must attend a baptismal class prior to the baptism. Such classes are offered at our parish every month. Contact the office. If the class is missed, the baptism must be postponed until this obligation has been met.