Baptism

Water washes, it gives life, and it can bring about death. When a person is baptized they are baptized into the death of Christ, in order to rise in the new life of the Spirit by the death and resurrection of Jesus having been washed from their sins.

"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 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).

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

 

Reception of Baptism

There is no age boundary for a person to receive Baptism.

If you are an adult who would like to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, we ask that you join our RCIA program.  

If you would like to have a child (Ages: Infant-5) baptized, please follow the instructions below:

INFORMATION for parents

Congratulations on the birth of your newborn child! We are very excited for you and the gift that God has given you in this child. We have a few instructions for you for how to go about having your child baptized at St. Joseph.

  1. Need to be registered members of St, Joseph parish. If they are not registered here (for a minimum of six months), they need to bring a letter from their parish.

  2. Need to attend one preparatory session on the third Wednesday of every month from 6:30pm-9:30pm, along with the Godparents. (This preparatory session may be taken even before the birth of your child, so as to be ready for a baptism.)

  3. Parents need to bring their child's birth certificate and other necessary documentation into the office before the class date.

Baptism Preparation Class is held every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Cost is $25.

Deadline to register is the Tuesday before
the Wednesday Class date.

Call the parish office Tuesday-Friday
9:00 AM-2:00 PM 361-882-7912

Qualifications for Godparents

We know you are excited to share this great event with people whom you know and love. Each child, though, has the right to receive the example of good and faithful witnesses to the Christian faith. To ensure that this right is respected, the Church has a few qualifications for godparents to make sure that your child will receive good formation in the faith.

  1. Godparents must be practicing Catholics, going to Mass every Sunday (They are to model the practice of the faith for their Godchild(ren).

  2. Godparents must be 18 years or older, having received all the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist).

  3. If married, a Godparent should be married in the Catholic Church (Godparents must present a copy of all necessary documentation including baptism, first holy communion, confirmation and marriage certificate before registering to baptize their godchild.).

  4. Those only civilly married or living together without marriage cannot be a Godparent.