Baptism FAQ

How Do I Begin? Fill out the Baptism Request Form on the sidebar menu and email a photo of your child’s Birth Certificate to [email protected].

Why Must I Give St. Theresa a Copy of My Baby’s Birth Certificate? The Certificate of Baptism is considered a legal document; therefore, St. Theresa uses the birth certificate to verify the child’s name, spelling, parents’ names, and place of birth and inscribe the Baptismal record exactly as it is on the birth certificate. Verification of birth facts is not legally binding like a birth certificate therefore is not accepted.

What Do I Do if I Don’t Have the Birth Certificate Yet? Please send in the Baptism Request Form with a note that you will send a copy of the birth certificate as soon as it is available. Note that a Certificate of Baptism can not be issued until a birth certificate has been provided.

What if There Is an Emergency, and I Need My Child Baptized Immediately? Please contact St. Theresa Church at 713-869-3783 to arrange an emergency Baptism immediately.

Is the Baptism Prep Class Required for My Baby to Be Baptized? Prior to Baptism, parents are asked to participate in Baptism prep. If you have attended a class within the last four years, please indicate when and where this took place on your Baptism request form. St. Theresa offers Baptism prep on the second Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Mass in Fellowship Hall.

My Spouse Is Not Catholic. Must He/She Attend the Baptism Class? Yes. It is important that both parents understand the responsibilities of baptizing a child in the Catholic Church.

How Many Godparents Should I Select?  Only one godparent is required, but if there are two godparents, one must be male and one female. In some cultures, it is common practice to have many godparents. If the child is to have more than two, only two are listed on the record and on the baptismal certificate.

Is It OK if One of the Godparents Is Not Catholic?  To be a godparent, one must be Catholic, at least 16 years of age, and have received the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. A family member or dear friend who is a member of a different Christian faith tradition may, however, be a “Christian Witness” to the child’s Baptism.

Can an Unbaptized Non-Christian (e.g., Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu) Friend Stand as a Christian Witness?  No, a non-baptized person cannot serve as a Sponsor or Christian Witness.

My Baby’s Godparents Live Out of Town and Cannot Come In for the Baptism. What Can We Do?
Godparents do not have to be present at the Baptism. The parents can ask someone to proxy the godparent (s).Individual Baptisms are discouraged unless there are extenuating circumstances; if you need to schedule an Individual Baptism, you must reach out directly to Fr. Vincent or one of our Deacons to coordinate a date that works for your family and their calendar: 713-869-3783.

What Must I Bring to the Baptism? St. Theresa Church will provide a candle for the Order of Baptism. Some families prefer to bring their own. Depending upon the family’s tradition, one may choose to provide a shell to pour the water or give a white garment to place on the child during the Rites. Please unwrap or unbox all items and give them to the Presider or Server when you arrive at the Church. You may also bring Rosaries, crosses, or any other holy object that you would like blessed at the end of the ceremony.

Is there a fee for Baptism? No, there is no fee for baptism, but it is customary to make a sacramental offering to the Church. You may want to write a note asking for prayers for your child and enclosing this offering and give to the priest or deacon celebrating on the day of Baptism.

May We Take Photographs? Photographs are welcome but we encourage you to designate one or two people to take photos and share with everyone (vs everyone taking photos). Baptisms on Sundays are live-streamed should you wish to have a remote family be able to watch the celebration of this important sacrament.