Baptism

**Classes are in person, First Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in the Louis Martin Conference Room – EXCEPT for April and July 4 – the class will be on the 11th**

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 sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and are sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213).

Parents desiring Baptism for their child must attend a class, preferably before the child’s birth.  Baptism classes are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm in the Louis Martin Conference Room in the Administration Building. No registration required for the class. After you have attended the class, your child can be scheduled for the Sacrament of Baptism (Sundays at 1:30pm).  Adults desiring instruction in the Catholic Faith should register online for RCIA classes.

** Children that are at the age of reason ( 7 or over) need to be enrolled in Religious Education.

All forms should be returned to the parish office. Baptimsal date is not secured until all requirements are met (attendance of Baptism class and all paperwork into the parish office, at least two weeks prior to the baptism). Any questions should be directed to the parish office at 703-729-2287 or email Office@sainttheresaparish.com.

 

Additional Information:

  • Baptism Preparation Class is held on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00pm.  Both parents must attend a class before the child is baptized.

 

  • Complete the Baptism Information Form below.  If you are requesting to have your child to be baptized at a different parish, contact the parish office to request the necessary paperwork.

 

  • Provide Sponsor Certificates for each Godparent from the respective churches.  At least one Godparent MUST be Catholic.  If a Christian Witness is chosen, he or she needs to have a letter from their pastor stating that they are practicing their Christian Faith*.  If two sponsors are chosen, one must be male, the other female.  For Baptism, a parent may NOT be a Godparent.  Please see the full set of requirements for Sponsors on forms page .

*Those who have left the Catholic Church to join another church are not eligible to serve as a Godparent or a Christian Witness.

 

The Baptism Data Form, ALL sponsor certificates and attendance at a Baptism Preparation Class must be completed and submitted to the parish office located in the Administration Building BEFORE the Baptism date can be secured.  (Sponsor Certificates and letters may not be brought to the Baptism.  Forms not submitted by the required date will result in rescheduling the Baptism.)  Please realize that nothing is scheduled until everything is received and entered.