Baptism
“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

Updated July 1, 2020, Baptisms are available with a few changes to help us all be safe and follow state guidelines. 

Steps for preparing for your child's baptism (up to age 7):

1. contact our  Baptism coordinator at baptism@stfrancisbend.org 
2. Register as a member of St Francis register here
3. Complete the Parent Form.  
4. Send us a copy of the child’s birth certificate
5. Attend a Baptism Prep Class.  Contact the Baptism Coordinator for the next available Baptism Class for parents and godparents.
6. Choose godparents: A godparent is: 16 years or older, Confirmed practicing Catholic, living in harmony with the Faith, if married is married in the Catholic church, 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.
7. Godparents must attend a Baptism Prep Class and submit a certificate/letter of completion
8. ​Godparents must be practicing confirmed Catholics. See the Godparent form for other guidelines.
9. Each godparent completes a   Godparent Form signs it, brings it to their home parish for review and pastor signature and seal, then turns in to St Francis baptism coordinator.
10. Return all forms to parish at least two weeks prior to desired baptismal date:  Parent Form, Godparents Forms, birth certificate, verification of attendance at a Baptism Prep Class for both parents and godparent
11. Schedule Baptism - ​The baptism can only be scheduled after all the forms have been received.
12. Baptisms are usually first and second Saturdays in English and third and fourth Saturdays in Spanish.

 
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 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.

Steps for adult baptism: See RCIA
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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.