Sacrament of Baptism

The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. . . . Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church. Baptism is a precious gift given by God through the Church, one which parents have the privilege to offer to their children. It is a gift meant to last a lifetime and beyond. The Sacrament of Baptism opens the door to new life by making us part of Christ and His Church. It is the entry into a Catholic-Christian community and a life of faith in Jesus Christ.
Church Window - Baptism of the Lord

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love. ~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults | en español


Baptism for infants requires advance preparation of at least two months, which includes a Baptism Preparation Class. Baptism for teenagers and adults is conducted through our RCIA program.


Baptisms for infants and children (through 6 years old) in English and Spanish are held on designated Saturdays throughout the year excluding Lent. 


https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/baptism


BAPTISM PREPARATION

In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin—and the resulting guilt—is a universal experience. Maybe we try to justify our sins and ignore the guilt. Maybe the guilt becomes all-consuming, and we can’t see a way out. But that guilt isn’t meant to be ignored or to consume us. Guilt is a wake-up call, and God wants to use it to draw us mercifully back to himself.


Baptism Contact Information

  • Infant through 6 years old

    Infants and Children through 6 years old


    Ministry Center

    Phone: 209-472-2150

    Email: baptisms@presentationchurch.net

    Hours: Monday thru Friday (by appointment only)

  • 7 years old through 8th Grade

    Children 7 years old through 8th grade


    Minister of Religious Education

    Nancy Gomez

    Phone: 209-320-5714

    Email: religioused@presentationchurch.net

    RCIC - Elementary

  • 9th Grade through 12th Grade

    9th grade through 12th Grade


    Minister of Religious Education

    Nancy Gomez

    Phone: 209-320-5714

    Email: religioused@presentationchurch.net

  • Post High School/Adults

    Post High School/Adults


    Deacon Scott A. Johnson

    Phone: 209-320-5713

    Phone (Direct): 916-712-0499

    Email: deaconscott@comacast.net

Baptism for Infants and Children (6 years old and younger)

  • Steps to Baptism

    Presentation Parish provides formation to prepare parents and godparents for the responsibilities they undertake with the baptism of young children. Volunteer catechists in this ministry lead sessions to prepare parents and Godparents for the Baptism of their young children. In both English and Spanish, the preparation sessions include catechesis, spiritual growth, and community building.


    Participation in the Baptism Preparation Class is a requirement for all parents and godparents seeking Baptism for their children. 



    Please keep in mind:

    • The parent's and child's names should be listed as they appear on the child’s county-issued birth certificate.
    • The child’s original birth certificate is to be presented at the time all documents are turned in so a copy can be made for the registration packet.
    • Parents and godparents must obtain a letter granting permission to baptize at the Church of the Presentation from the church where they are registered and active.
    • There may be only one male godparent or one female godparent or one of each. Godparents must be active and practicing Catholics in good standing, at least 16 years old, having received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation.  If married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. Copies of sacraments are to be provided for eligible god parent(s).
    • Parents and godparents must provide proof of successfully completing a baptism preparation class within five years of the preferred baptism date.
    • If the baptism preparation class is to be completed at Church of the Presentation, the requested one-time donation is $50 and is due prior to access to the class.

    Once the parent has the completed registration form, child’s county-issued birth certificate, and collected the permission letter(s) and proof of baptism preparation class from another parish, email baptisms@presentationchurch.net to schedule an appointment to turn these documents in. If the baptism preparation class will be taken at the  Church of the Presentation, the class date can also be selected during the scheduled appointment.


    PLEASE NOTE: We strongly suggest that you do not send out invitations prior to officially scheduling the baptism as the Church of the Presentation is NOT responsible if there is a scheduling conflict. 



    Lista de Verificación de Registro de Bautismo:

    • El formulario de registro debe incluir los nombres de la madre y el niño tal como aparecen en el certificado de nacimiento del niño preoarado por el Condado.
    • El certificado de nacimiento original del niño debe presentarse al momento de entregar todos los documentos para que se pueda tomar una copia.
    • Los padres y padrinos deben obtener una carta de permiso de la iglesia donde están registrados y activos para poder bautizar en la Iglesia de la Presentación.
    • Puede haber solo un padrino o una madrina o una de cada uno. Los padrinos deben ser Católicos activos y practicantes en buen estado, tener al menos 16 años, y haber recibido los sacramentos del Bautismo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación. Si están casados, deben de haberse casado ​​en la Iglesia Católica. Copias de los sacramentos deben presentarse para los padrinos que son eligibles.
    • Los padres y padrinos deben proporcionar prueba de haber completado satisfactoriamente una clase de preparación para el bautismo dentro de los cinco años posteriores a la fecha de bautismo preferida.
    • Si la clase de preparación para el bautismo (a través de Zoom) se completará en la Iglesia de la Presentación, la donación solicitada para este servicio es de $ 50.

    Una vez que se hayan recopilado el formulario de registro, la(s) carta(s) de permiso y la prueba de la clase de preparación para el bautismo, envíe un correo electrónico a baptisms@presentationchurch.net para programar una cita para entregar estos documentos y seleccionar la fecha de bautismo preferida. Si la clase de preparación para el bautismo se tomará en la Iglesia de la Presentación, la fecha de la clase también se puede seleccionar en este momento.

    TENGA EN CUENTA: Le recomendamos encarecidamente que no envíe invitaciones antes de programar oficialmente el bautismo ya que la Iglesia de la Presentación NO es responsable si hay un conflicto de programación. Tanto la clase de preparación como la ceremonia de bautismo están programadas por orden de llegada. Debido a COVID-19, se pueden aplicar restricciones adicionales, incluyendo el aplazamiento de los bautismos programados.

  • Forms and Information Sheet

    For Baptism Information (Infant-6 years old) in English, please click the following:


    Infant Baptism Information Sheet

    Infant Baptism Registration Form



    Para Información Bautismal  (Infantes – 6 años) en Español, por favor haga clic en lo siguiente:


    Información Sobre el Bautismo Infantil

    Formulario de inscripción de bautismo infantil


      


  • FAQ's

    English:

    • Preparation classes in English are held on the 1st Saturday of the month, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
    • Baptismal Celebrations are on the 2nd Saturday of the month

    Spanish:

    • Preparation classes in Spanish are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
    • Baptismal Celebrations are on the 4th Saturday of the month

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