Baptism

The origin and foundation of Christian baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist.

The word baptism in its origins is Greek and means "immersion" and "bath." Immersion in water is a sign of death, and immersion out of the water means new life. To bathe in water is also to undergo cleansing.

The information on this page covers only basic information. Your situation may be different. For more information, you are encouraged to call the church office at (323) 255-6142, or visit us in person, at least six months in advance.

A baptismal form needs to be filled out by one of the parents in the office. It may not be taken home.

A copy of the birth or hospital certificate needs to be attached to the form, and a $50 church fee given in cash or check six weeks prior to the date of baptism, must be received.

If the father's name is not on the birth/hospital certificate, it will not be not written on the baptismal certificate. If the mother presents a birth certificate with the father's name on it, we will add his name to our baptismal register and issue a new certificate.

Please write a notation on the bottom of the check with Baptism of [child's name] and [date of baptism]. A notation of the fee having been paid will be made on the registration form and on the envelope that we have for baptismal donations.

In most baptisms, there are two godparents who are baptized Roman Catholic and have received all three sacraments of initiation (baptism, Eucharist, confirmation).

At least one godparent must be Roman Catholic. A non-Catholic Christian may participate as a Christian witness.

Godparents should be married by the church and fully living their faith, since their lives are a witness to the child they are baptizing.

No one, including grandparents, may arrange for or authorize the baptism of a child without written permission form the parents unless they are legal guardians of the child (proof must be provided).

What documents, fees, or information do I need in order to attend the baptismal classes?

A baptismal form needs to be filled out by one of the parents in the office. It may not be taken home.

A copy of the birth or hospital certificate needs to be attached to the form, and a $50 church fee given in cash or check six weeks prior to the date of baptism, must be received.

I've taken baptismal classes before at St. Bernard or a different parish. Do I have to enroll again at St. Bernard?

Not if you've taken a baptismal class within the last two years. If either the parents or godparents have attended a baptismal class within the last two years, we will just need proof of attendance.

We are not married, but we do live together. Can we baptize our child in the Catholic Church?

Catholic parents and godparents ought to be living their Catholic faith as fully as possible by being married in the church, if possible. To discuss your current situation, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our parish priests.

Our child is currently 4 years of age; my husband and I would like to baptize her. Is this possible?

Yes, and your child qualifies to be baptized as an infant. If the child is 6 years old before the date of baptism, the child cannot be baptized as an infant; he or she must enter the two-year RCIA program for children.

In the second year at the Vigil of Easter (Holy Saturday), the child will receive all three Sacraments of Initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.