Baptism Preparation for Adults
Adults seeking to be baptized in the Catholic Church, we welcome you. Please visit https://stpatrickdallas.org/becoming-catholic/
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).
Baptism Preparation for Children – information for parents
Do I need to take a class?
Yes, you and your godparent(s) will need to take a class if you have not done so in the past four years. The class can be taken at any Catholic Church. Classes at St. Patrick are held the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the St. Patrick Catholic School building. We will help you arrange this once you begin the process.
Do I need to be a parishioner at St. Patrick?
Yes, you will need to register at St. Patrick so we can more easily help you!
What paperwork is required?
You will need to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate, proof of your baptism class (for both you and your godparents) and a godparent letter of good standing if they are not parishioners of St. Patrick. But don’t worry, once you begin the process, we will take you through it step-by-step.
Are there requirements for the godparents?
Yes, there are a few requirements. Simply put, the godparent(s) must be 16 or older and a practicing Catholic. We will help you make sure that your godparent(s) meet the requirements.
Baptism Preparation for Godparents
What is a Godparent?
A Godparent is a witness to the commitment that you are making to Christ. The role of a godparent is a lifelong commitment of nurturing the spiritual formation of the godchild.
Requirements for a Godparents:
- At least sixteen years old
- Practicing member of the Catholic Church who has received the Sacraments
- If married, married in the Catholic Church
Before the Baptism, you will need to complete a Baptism Preparation Class.
The class can be taken at any Catholic Church. Once you have completed the class, please submit a letter of completion to St. Patrick. Classes at St. Patrick are held the second Wednesday of the month in English and Spanish at 7:00 PM in the St. Patrick school building.
*If you have taken the class within the past four years, please submit a letter of completion to St. Patrick Church.
Please contact our Baptism Coordinator, Mrs. Haling Perdomo- Mihalek at 214-348-7380 ext 2414.
If you are NOT a parishioner at St. Patrick, please contact your parish office and request a letter of good standing from your pastor and submit it to St. Patrick.
Godparent FAQ
Can someone who is not Catholic serve as a Godparent?
A baptized person who is not Catholic may serve as a Christian Witness in addition to the one Catholic Godparent. A Christian Witness must meet all of the Godparent requirements.
Can I have more than two Godparents or sponsors?
No, however, we would invite your entire family to be involved in the upbringing of your child in the Catholic faith.
Can a family member who was married in the Church but is now separated or divorced be a Godparent?
Possibly. Separation or divorce does not necessarily prohibit a person from being a Godparent, but please contact us for clarification for your situation.
What happens if the Godparent cannot attend the Baptism?
If the Godparent cannot be present at the Baptism, proxies can “stand in.”