We join you and your family in joy as you have decided to have your child baptized. Before you decide about which church to celebrate the baptism and what date it is going to occur, we would like to offer the parish guidelines for the celebration of Baptism here at Holy Family.

Parents:
You must be registered members here at Holy Family or have a permission letter from the parish you attend allowing us to celebrate the baptism of your child – this letter may be presented to Deacon Bob at the first preparation session.
If you are just now registering with us here, then we will work with you and your family about pre-baptismal rituals on the weekends before the actual baptism.
Three before baptism: attend Mass & introduce family/sponsors to priest and deacons.
Two before baptism: attend Mass and be introduced to parish during announcements.
One before baptism: attend Mass and sit up front for preliminary baptismal rites.
Parents are expected to be regular Church attendees in this parish or in the parish that gives them the permission letter.
If you are not married in the Catholic Church we would happily help you get this corrected; however, this is not a block to the baptism IF the Godparents are good practicing Catholics married in church.
Parents need to attend the baptism class session by Deacon Bob, or bring a letter indicating that they’ve taken the classes elsewhere

Godparents:
These sponsors are asked to be good practicing Catholics married in the Catholic Church (especially if the parents are not married in church).
Pastoral permission, baptism can proceed if ONE of the sponsors is a good practicing Catholic – the other Godparent though must be a baptized Christian.
Godparents need to attend the baptism class session by Deacon Bob, or bring a letter indicating that they’ve taken the classes elsewhere. If you have taken the classes previously for one of your other children, then the class attendance may be waived, but let Deacon Bob or Fr. Ken know this.

Paper work:
A copy of the child’s birth certificate will help us correctly complete the baptismal record book with all the names correctly spelled, etc. – given to deacon at first session.
At the baptism preparation session with deacon, also complete the form for baptism.
After the child is baptized, records of the baptism (kept here at Holy Family) and a copy may be requested one week after the ceremony.

Other notes:
Contact Father Bhaskar for information on baptism:  806-240-8889
There is no charge for the baptism but a free will donation from $15 to $25 MAY be given to the clergy who baptizes your child as a GIFT..