Baptism Information
The Sacrament of Baptism initiates your child into the faith community. Baptism is the first Sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Christian Community.
St. Maria Goretti Parishioners are invited to have their children baptized here at St. Maria Goretti. We encourage you to worship with us as a family on a regular basis and become involved in the spiritual life of the Parish.
Due to the sanctity of the Sacrament of Baptism and to ensure that it is your intent for the child to be raised in the practice of the Catholic Faith, formal preparation is required for all baptisms.
Effective June 1, 2023:
Baptisms take place on the third Sunday of the month at any of the Sunday Masses (limit 2 families per Mass). Exceptions to this schedule are at the Pastor’s discretion and may be discussed when meeting with him.
The Pre-Baptism class for parents and godparents takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The cost for the class is $25 per couple (parents). Godparents attend at no cost. You may pay at the class or inquire with the parish office for other options. Proof of class attendance for baptisms at St. Maria Goretti is included in this fee but if a certificate of attendance is needed for baptisms taking place at other Parishes, the certificate fee is $10. The class certification is valid for 24 months.
Parents of Children under 7 years old:
Step 1. Parents should be registered and active parishioners for at least three months prior to starting the baptismal preparation process. If you are unsure of your registration status, please contact the Parish Office.
Step 2. Parents meet with the Pastor. Call the office for an appointment. At this appointment, you will discuss the baptism date and begin the paperwork necessary for processing the Sacrament.
Step 3. Parents and Godparents attend a pre-baptism class, held monthly at St. Maria Goretti. If attending at another parish, a certificate of attendance must be submitted with the Baptism paperwork.
Step 4. Submit all required documentation to the Parish Office and confirm the date of the baptism with staff.
Parents of Children 7 to 15 years old:
The child to be baptized will attend faith formation class to prepare for the Sacrament. Inquire with the Parish Religious Education coordinator for the class schedule based on the student’s age.
Adults (persons 16 years and older):
Adults who wish to become baptized in the Catholic Faith register for classes in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA. Learn more about RCIA under the Faith Formation tab.
Choosing a Godparent
The person to be baptized must have one Sponsor (Godparent) who meets the requirements for being a Sponsor in the Catholic Church. This is a person who is at least 16 years old; a baptized Catholic who has received the sacrament of Confirmation and is currently practicing his/her Catholic faith; and, if married, is married in the Catholic Church. Each Godparent must attend a pre-baptism class and submit a Godparent Verification Form. See the Baptismal Preparation Guidelines at the Links to Forms section below for more information on choosing Godparents and requirements for Godparents.
Upcoming Pre-Baptism Classes at St. Maria Goretti
To Register please Contact the Parish Office (916)-647-4538. PLEASE ARRANGE FOR CHILD CARE IF YOU ARE ATTENDING
Donations/Sacrament Offering
Offerings can be made by cash or check in person during Parish Office hours or by debit/credit card using our Online Giving (Faith Direct).
This link will take you to a One-Time Gift for Sacrament Offering. Ensure that you have included in the Notes section the following:
“Baptism – name of child – date of baptism”
Links to Forms