Baptism

Infant Baptism

Parents’ decision to have their child baptized by a priest or a parish deacon is an act of true love toward their child. Baptism allows the child to be welcomed into the Church at an early age and grow in the Love and Grace of God. Baptisms are celebrated on the second and third weekend of the month at a Rite of Baptism only (no Mass) on the second Sunday of the month at 12:30 p.m. or during any mass on the third weekend of each month (5:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil, 10:00 a.m. Sunday, or 5:30 p.m. Sunday). Individual Baptisms are discouraged unless there are extenuating circumstances; if you need to schedule such a Baptism, you must reach out directly to Fr. Phil or one of our deacons to coordinate a date that works for your family and their calendar.

A birth certificate is an essential part of the baptismal process and should be turned in as soon as possible.  To start the process of having your child baptized at St. Theresa’s in Memorial Park, please complete the following form; once you have submitted it, our Sacramental Coordinator will reach out to you. If you have questions, please contact Kendall Solé at k.sole@sttheresa.cc or 713-869-3783.

Baptism Request Form

Baptism of Children Seven Years Old and Older

Children who have reached the age of seven and have not been baptized are invited into the process of Christian initiation based on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), adapted to the age and needs of each child. This process usually takes a full liturgical year because it involves receiving multiple Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and possibly Confirmation. 

Godparents and Baptism Prep

The Church requires at least one godparent (sponsor) who is baptized, confirmed, and in good standing with the Catholic Church. In addition, the family may also choose a second godparent of the opposite sex. If this second person is baptized but not Catholic, this sponsor will be a “Christian Witness.” 

We invite both parents and godparents to participate in Baptism Prep, which is held on the third Sunday of every month after the 10:00 a.m. Mass. After celebrating a Baptism at mass, we will meet in Fellowship Hall to review some of the most essential aspects of Baptism and answer any questions you have.

You may register here for all classes in 2023 by designating the month you plan to attend.

BAPTISM PREP FORM

Additional Information

Please click on the link below to the Baptism FAQ below for more information about Baptisms or Baptism Prep at St. Theresas.

Baptism FAQ
 

Sacramental Offering

Although there is no set fee for Baptism, it is customary to offer to the Church to help support parish ministries or to the priest or deacon performing the rite. You may do this online or in person on the Baptism day.