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)

Registration

  Information

How do I register, what do I need?

  • The minimum registration period is 2 weeks prior to desired date. However Space is limited. 
  • Registration must be in person at parish office by a Parent or Guardian.
  • Provide child’s Original Birth Certificate (State or Country Issued)
  • Provide $55.00 fee. (Credit, Money order or Cash) No Refunds
  • Provide names of qualified Godparents. (Godparent must have received Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion, *Sacrament of Matrimony and should be at least 16 years of age. *If the a godparent is civilly married or cohabitating it disqualifies them from being godparents.


 What are the dates for baptisms?

Baptism are held on Saturday’s 9:00 am, alternating one week Spanish and one week English. (excluding major Holidays, please check with office for dates)


Are Baptism Classes Required?

Yes, Baptism Class will be assigned to both Parents and Godparents at registration. Typically, Classes are held on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm. in the parish Hall.

* NO children allowed in the classes. Please make arrangements for babysitting. (Classes alternate English and Spanish, please check with office for dates) All Classes are held In Person. 


 *Important Notes

  • Failure to attend baptismal classes will result in cancellation of baptism.
  • Please be on time the day of your child’s baptism. Tardiness may cancel your baptism.
  • NO Professional photographers allowed. NO Flash Photography due to preservations of our FRESCO paintings.
  • $15.00 fee applies for duplicate certificates as well as any changes made after registration is complete.
  • Certificates will be handed out on the date of your scheduled Baptism. If left behind office will hold it for 30 days. After 30-day document will be shredded and parent must request a duplicate, the fee is $15.00.
  • Corrections (error made by parent/s) will be processed with a $15.00 certificate reprint fee.
  • No Refunds under any circumstances. 


Parish Office Hours

Tuesday - Friday
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
&
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Baptism FAQs

What are the requirements for baptism?

For a child to be baptized in the Catholic Church, there must be a basis of hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In practice, this generally means that at least one parent is Catholic. Like many dioceses in the United States, our Diocese requires parents and godparents participate in Baptism preparation before the baptism of their children. 

We offer Baptism classes here at St. John’s Cathedral. Each child brought forward for baptism must also have at least one godparent who is a confirmed, practicing Catholic age 16 or older.


At what age are children usually baptized?

There is no age limit, but infants are generally baptized before the age of 7.
If your child is 7 years of age or older he/she must attend catechism classes, please call (559) 485-0161 for more information.


Why is Baptism Class required?

Our baptism classes are designed to help you as new parent/s and godparent/s understand that baptism is the beginning of a lifelong commitment. We will discuss the meaning of the sacrament of baptism, as well as practical aspects of the ceremony itself. Please register with the parish office prior to attending these classes.


What do I bring the day of the Baptism?

A white garment is an ancient sign of the newly baptized symbolizing a new life in Christ. Please bring your child dressed in white clothes and bring a baptismal Candle.


What are the Requirements for the Parents?

For an infant to be baptized lawfully it is required that parents give their consent. Canon 867 of the code of Canon Law.


What are the Requirements for the Godparents?

Godparent must have received Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion, should be at least 16 years of age, and should be practicing Catholics who are able to give the example of a good Catholic Life.

Only one sponsor is necessary, however if you select a couple only one man and one woman with the sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic

Church is permitted.

*If the person is civilly married or Cohabitating it disqualifies them from being godparents.


Questions Call Parish Office (559)485-6210

What is 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

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The Catechism teaches:
"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

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).
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