B A P T I S M
The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by St. 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. 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
The sacrament of Baptism is also known as the doorway to all the other six sacraments of the Church. It is through Baptism that we are freed of Original Sin and given our first taste of sanctifying grace. This grace floods the soul and makes it pure and pleasing to the Father. We become adopted into the family of Jesus Christ and heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. Baptism makes us a part of a the church family.
Baptism of Infants (Children under the age of seven)
We welcome those who desire to have their child baptized in the Catholic Church. As a baptized person, your child is an integral part of the faith community of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The newly baptized child becomes a member of the body of Christ.
Baptism cleanses your child from Original Sin, makes your child a member of the body of Christ and leads him or her toward the other sacraments of the Catholic Church, including Eucharist, Penance, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders. It provides for the child the opportunity to participate fully in the celebration of the Eucharist and other aspects of parish life. This is, indeed, an occasion for celebration.
We strongly encourage you to plan to have your child baptized shortly after their birth. Church Law and teaching says:
Parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptized within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth, indeed even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it. If the infant is in danger of death, it is to be baptized without any delay. (Code of Canon Law 867 §1,§2)
Contact: Deacon John De Gano at (951) 781-9855 ext. 11
Contact for Baptism registration: Patricia Granados at (951) 781-9855 ext. 10
Baptism for Children and Teens, ages 7-17
Scheduling and Preparation
Children in this age group who have not yet been baptized must attend a special program entitled Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. It is a longer process that includes classroom instruction for the child and adult instruction for parents and godparents. This is a minimum one year process, it can be two to three year process depending on the readiness of the child. Children completing the program will receive the sacrament/(s) at the Easter Vigil.
Contact: Mrs. Olivia Wiseman at (951) 781-9855 ext. 25.
Baptism Information for Parents
Baptism Dates
English Baptisms are held on first Saturdays of the month (except during Advent and Lent) at 10:00 am. Spanish Baptisms are held on third Saturdays every other month.Parish boundaries
The Family of the child should reside in St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish boundaries. If a family lives outside the boundaries they may request and present a permission letter for baptism from their parish of residence. Families who are registered at another parish may still have their child baptized at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church. A letter of permission to baptize at our parish will also be required.Baptism Information regarding Godparents
In order to be considered a godparent, a person must be 16 years of age and have received all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation). If married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church. Catholics only married through court or living together with someone without being married through the Catholic Church, may NOT be god parents. We do require a copy of the Catholic Church Marriage Certificate. You may have two godparents (One Male and One Female), but at least one is required.Baptismal Preparation Class
For every baptism celebrated at St. Catherine of Alexandria, both parents and sponsors are required to attend a pre baptismal class at St. Catherine or at another parish, if they live out of the area (proof of attendance is also required).If parents have attended a pre-baptismal class within the previous six months they are still encouraged, but not required to attend another preparation class, as long as proof of the class is submitted. The preparation class for parents and godparents are held on the 1st and 2nd Mondays every month (Except during Advent and Lent) in the Ministry Center, Spirituality Room at 7:00 pm. You need to register for Baptism, so you can be registered for the class. You are required to check-in 15-30 minutes before class starts.
Contact for Baptism registration: Patricia Granados at (951) 781-9855 ext. 10.