Baptism
Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)
Baptism classes are held at St. Thomas Parish
Baptism Preparation for infants
and children up to age 7
Please see below for the summary of steps to prepare for an infant Baptism. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete these actions.
Contact Amy Parent at 360-834-2126, ext. 212 (or
amy@stthomascamas.org) to review the requirements or to register for a future Baptism Prep Class. Since canon law recommends celebrating Baptism in the “first few weeks after birth” (CIC, c. 867), families are encouraged to begin preparations during pregnancy. However, the length of time between the birth of the child and the celebration of the sacrament may vary, depending on many issues, including the health and welfare of the mother or the child.
Godparent(s) preparation:
- please review the requirements on this “sponsor form” before asking a specific individual in case they are not able to fulfill this role. One godparent is required; you may have two if you wish. If two, then one male and one female.
- please have each godparent return a copy of the sponsor form.
- the godparent(s) will need to complete a Baptism prep class at any Catholic parish.
- As indicated on the sponsor form, the godparent(s) need to provide a copy of their sacramental records to show they have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (digital copies are fine). This can either be separate documents or a single Baptism record showing reception of subsequent sacraments. Let us know if you need assistance in locating these records from your place of Baptism if you do not have your own copies readily available.
For parents and godparents who are preparing to have their children baptized this class is a necessary part of the process.
Advance registration is required to complete a few topics before the session.
For guidance or to register, contact Amy Parent: amy@stthomascamas.org (360 834-2126, ext. 212).
Summary
1. Please complete and return the child information form linked above.
2. Please provide a copy of the official birth certificate of the child
3. Parental preparation:
- complete a Baptism prep class at any Catholic parish.
- see the date of the next Baptism Prep class in the right margin of this webpage (or contact
amy@stthomascamas.org).
4. Godparent(s) preparation:
- please review the requirements on the “sponsor form” linked above before asking a specific individual in case they are not able to fulfill this role. One godparent is required; you may have two if you wish. If two, then one male and one female.
- please have each godparent return a copy of the sponsor form.
- the godparent(s) will need to complete a Baptism prep class at any Catholic parish.
- As indicated on the sponsor form, the godparent(s) need to provide a copy of their sacramental records to show they have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (digital copies are fine). This can either be separate documents or a single Baptism record showing reception of subsequent sacraments. Let us know if you need assistance in locating these records from your place of Baptism if you do not have your own copies readily available.
5. Schedule a date for the Baptism:
- Baptisms are typically celebrated during Mass. Currently, the preferred arrangement is to do so during a Saturday 5pm Mass.
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:
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.
