Baptism
“Baptism, the gate to the sacraments, necessary for salvation in fact or at least in intention, by which men and women are freed from their sins, are reborn as children of God and, configured to Christ by an indelible character, are incorporated in the Church, is validly conferred only by washing with true water together with the required form of words.” (Code of Canon Law, Canon 849)
The Proper Place for Baptism
The proper place for Baptism for adults is in their own parish church and children in the parish of their parents. Those who do not live in the parish must present a letter from the pastor of their parish stating that they have permission to have the baptism at Saint Joseph Catholic Church.
Newborns to Age of Reason (< 7 years old)
Any child of a Catholic, with at least one parent being Catholic, is eligible for Baptism.
Parents and godparents must attend a Baptismal Preparation Class.
Contact Lydia Diaz (receptionist@stjosephwaxahachie.com) at the parish office to complete the Baptism Form. The Baptism Form must be completed and all necessary documentation, including state issued birth certificate, is received by the parish office prior to attending the Baptism Class.
Godparents
Godparents, though not required, have a fitting role to help the parents raise the child in the practice of the faith. For this reason, Church law has the following requirements for a godparent:
The godparent must be a baptized Catholic who has received the sacrament of Confirmation and the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
The godparent must be at least 16 years of age and, if married, is married validly according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
If two godparents are selected, one must be male and one female. Godparents may not be the parents of the child receiving Baptism.
A baptized non-Catholic may be a witness to the Sacrament of Baptism together with a godparent.
Baptism Classes
English Baptism class is scheduled individually with the pastor once the baptism form and all documentation is received by the parish office.
Spanish Baptism class is on the 1st Saturday of the month at 9:00 AM, and can be scheduled once the baptism form and all documentation is received by the parish office.
Time of Baptism
Baptisms are scheduled on Saturday mornings in the chapel. A time can be scheduled by contacting the parish office when all the paperwork and the baptism class are completed.
Baptism for Children and Youth
Children over the age of reason desiring to receive the sacrament of Baptism should enroll in the age appropriate level of Catholic Formation. Please contact Nancy Martinez in the Formation Office for more information.
Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process through which adult men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages of formation marked by study, prayer, professing faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receiving or completing the sacraments of initiation. Please contact Nancy Martinez in the Formation Office for additional information.