Baptism

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:
Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

Freed from Sin

Baptismal Symbols

• Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.


In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284)

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church. We are very happy to assist you and accompany your family in preparing for this wonderful celebration for your child.

Requirements for Baptism
1. To register for baptism, please call the parish office or email Veronica Santillan. Please bring the child’s birth certificate and completed baptism registration form with you. The baptism registration form can be obtained online. The parish phone number is 210-651-6913.

2. Parents must attend a baptism preparation class. The purpose of these classes is to convey an understanding of baptism in the Church, to help parents recognize their responsibility and role in the development of their child’s faith, and to welcome young families into our parish family. Godparents are also encouraged to attend. Baptism classes are normally held the second Monday of the month. These classes are also offered at other local churches. If the parents take the class at any parish other than this one, they must provide proof of attendance by either in a certificate of attendance or a letter from that church’s pastor. If the parents have taken Baptismal Preparation Classes within the past four years, this requirement is waived.

3. Ordinarily, children are baptized in your home parish, If you are not registered in this parish, a Letter of Permission from your home parish is necessary.

Requirements for Godparents
1. Must be at least 16 years of age.

2. At least one godparent is needed; a fully initiated (having received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation), practicing Catholic, registered in a parish. There may be two godparents, one man and one woman; both must be fully initiated practicing Catholics. If they are not members of this parish they must obtain a letter of Good Standing from their home parish. As long as there is one godparent who is a fully initiated practicing Catholic, a baptized practicing non-Catholic Christian can be designated as a Christian Witness to the baptism. In this case, a letter from the Christian Witness’s pastor is necessary, stating that they are in good standing in his or her church. A lapsed Catholic may not serve as a Christian witness.

3. Must be someone other than the parents of the child to be baptized.

4. Must be leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to assume.