Baptism

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.
 
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."  (Matthew 28:19-20)

Infant Baptism is the normative way to begin the initiation of children into the Church.

• Parent(s) must attend a Baptism preparation session.
• Parent(s) must register for the Baptism preparation class with the parish office. 
• Both parents must attend if at all possible.
• Godparents must attend (If Godparents do not live in Austin, Godparents must attend a class in their parish and bring proof of attendance.)
• Childcare is not provided (Infants in infant seats may accompany parent.  Toddlers and older children require child care  arranged by the parents.)
• Please complete the Baptism Registration information form.  See form below. 
• We require a copy of the child’s birth certificate
• A Letter of Permission to Baptize may be required if parents are not registered members of St. Albert the Great parish or live in the parish boundaries.

• Only one Godparent is required for Baptism.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, 1^st Holy Communion, & Confirmation).
• Can not be a parent of the one being baptized.
• If married, must be in a valid Catholic marriage.
• Must be a practicing Catholic living a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.
• Must attend a Baptism preparation class at St. Albert or at a parish near their location.
• Must sign the Baptism Sponsor Covenant form required by the Diocese of Austin (see form below).
• Should be someone who will have some part in the child’s faith development.
• Only one godparent is required, but parents may choose to have two.
• If two godparents, there should be one of each gender, one male and one female.
• (If the godparent is not a parishioner of St. Albert, please provide a letter from his/ her parish stating that he/ she is a parishioner in good standing along with the signed “Baptism Sponsor Covenant” if the child is being baptized at St. Albert.)
• A Letter of Permission to be Godparents or sometimes called Letter of Good Standing may be required if Godparents are not registered members of St. Albert the Great parish or live in the parish boundaries.

Parents wishing to have their child baptized must enroll their child in Religious Education. Children above 2nd grade are required to attend additional catechesis through our Sacramental Preparation program. 

​Contact Frank for more information fledesma@saintalbert.org