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Baptism

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“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as [children] of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." CCC 1213


Steps for preparing for your child's baptism (up to age 7):
1. Contact our Baptism coordinator at [email protected]  
2. Parents

• Complete the Parent Form
• Send us a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
• Parents attend a Baptism Preparation CLASS. Registration is required for classes at St Francis. Click Here to register and for available dates. Godparents should attend the baptism class at their home parish.
• Choose godparent(s): A godparent is: 16 years or older, confirmed practicing Catholic, living in harmony with the Faith, receives the sacraments of Confession and Eucharist often, not the mother or father, and is willing to be the godparent. If more than one sponsor is chosen, they must be of the opposite sex. The godparent can be either living single or in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church.

3. Godparent(s) 

• Godparent completes the Sponsor Form, brings it to their home parish for review and pastor signature and seal, and then turns it in to the St Francis baptism coordinator.
• Godparent obtains a letter from their pastor to our pastor stating that the person requesting to be a godparent attends and participates in Mass (receives Communion) regularly.
• Godparent(s) submit a copy of their Confirmation certificate and a copy of their marriage certificate.
• Godparent(s) attend a Baptism Prep Class and submit a certificate/letter of completion. Godparents should attend the class at their home parish.

4.  Schedule Baptism – ​

• The baptism can only be scheduled after all the forms have been received and approved by the pastor:  Parent Form, child's birth certificate, verification of attendance at a Baptism Prep Class for both parents and godparent, sponsor form, copy of sponsor(s) confirmation certificate and marriage certificate and a letter from sponsor's pastor attesting to Mass attendance and participation.
• Baptisms are usually scheduled once a month.

 
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Sponsors (Godparents)
Canon Law 874 states that the sponsor “be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;” The Diocese of Baker Pastoral Guidelines goes on to explain, “that married persons who act as sponsors are in marriages recognized by the Church.” 

Non-Catholic Sponsor (Christian Witness)

• One baptized non-Catholic active in their own church or ecclesial body may be admitted as a witness to Baptism, provided the other godparent is a Catholic sponsor who meets the requirements.
• A person who is baptized Catholic but does not meet the guidelines of a Godparent may not be a Christian witness. 

Steps for baptism of older children (age 7-18)

• Child must attend 2 years of Faith Formation according to their age group. 
• There will be parent-child workshops and special Rites throughout the year.

Steps for adult baptism: See OCIA
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Note for unique situations: These requirements are the norm, but we understand that families might have unique situations. To discuss your situation, call the office at (541) 382-3631 and ask to be transferred to the Director of Faith Formation. 

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