The Sacrament of Baptism cleanses us from sin and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded of you" (Matthew 28:19-20).
Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Church. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Baptism is, like all the sacraments, a gift from God. Water is the universal symbol. Water is absolutely essential for all life. Water cleanses and restores. It is the waters of Baptism that give us new life. Through Baptism we die to ourselves in order to be restored and resurrected in the new life of Christ.
"The fruit of Baptism...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" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1279).
- 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 are reminder that we are heirs 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.
Infant Baptism Preparation
Parents and godparents are required attend a baptismal preparation class, offered every first Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.
Baptismal preparation classes are offered in Spanish every second Saturday of the month.
For more information, contact Sr. Norberta Villasenor at firstname.lastname@example.org or call (650) 361-1411, ext. 115.
Preparation for Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism for Children/Youth
This year, preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism will be a one-year program. All Baptism candidates are expected to be active members of the Children's Faith Formation program or the High School Ministry program.
During the intellectual formation of the candidates, we will cover the basic doctrines of the Faith by studying and praying with the Scriptures as well as the Catechism. The Study Days are marked on the year calendar (see below) in green.
Prior to receiving the Sacrament, there will be a retreat day to give candidates an opportunity to spiritually prepare themselves to meet Jesus.
We will not assess a fee for this Sacrament this year. Instead, we ask that a free-will offering be made as a token of gratitude to God and to the Church at the time of receiving the Sacraments.
The calendar for the year for children in elementary school (grades 2-5) can be found here.
The year calendar for youth in middle school (grades 6-8) can be found here.
The year calendar for youth in high school (grades 9-12) can be found here.
Please click here for an audio file of the parent information meeting about our Children's Faith Formation program this year.
Please click here for an audio file of the parent information meeting about our High School program this year.
For more information, please contact Michael So at email@example.com or call 650.361.1411 x 113.
Contact Sr. Norberta Villasenor
(650) 361-1411, ext. 115
For Infants & Young Children
Group baptisms are held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30 pm in the church. Group baptisms in Spanish are held on the second and fourth Saturdays at 11:30 am. Individual baptisms are available upon request.
To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, parents and godparents are required attend a baptismal preparation class, offered every first Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center. Baptismal preparation classes are offered in Spanish every second Saturday of the month.
The parents of the child should choose no more than two godparents, based on their ability to help you raise your child in the belief and teachings of the Catholic Church.
Godparents must be over sixteen years old. At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation and an active, registered parishioner of a parish.
For Children (Age 7 & Older)
You will need to go through our Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) program.
You will need to go through our Rite of Christian Initation for Adults (RCIA) program. Group baptisms are held at the Easter Vigil each year.