Rite of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation (along with Confirmation and the Most Holy Eucharist). Through Baptism, a person is freed from sin, reborn as a child of God, and welcomed into the Body of Christ, the Church. This sacred sacrament marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, as the baptized are filled with the Holy Spirit and called to walk in His light. Strengthened by this grace, they are entrusted with the mission to live the Gospel and grow in faith as members of His Church, participating in the life and mission of Christ in the world.

This journey is for families who:

• Have a child not yet baptized and desire Baptism in the Roman Catholic Church
• Are committed to raising their child in the Catholic faith
• Are willing to participate in Sunday Mass and parish life
• Will attend a Baptism preparation class
• (If applicable) Will choose godparents who meet the requirements of the Church
• Live within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and desire to make Holy Angels Church of the Deaf their home parish. 

This journey is for families and young people who:

• Have children or youth age 7 and older who have not yet been baptized
• Desire for their child to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist
• Are willing to participate in a period of faith formation, catechesis, and prayer appropriate to their age
• Commit to regular Sunday Mass attendance and active participation in parish life
• Understand that parents/guardians play an essential role in supporting their child’s faith journey
• Live within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and desire to make Holy Angels Church of the Deaf their home parish

This journey is for those who:

• Have not been baptized and desire to become Catholic
• Are 18 years of age or older (and no longer in high school)
• Are open to a period of formation, prayer, and learning in the Catholic faith
• Are willing to attend Mass regularly and grow in the life of the Church
• Desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist)
• Live within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and desire to make Holy Angels Church of the Deaf their home parish

The date varies each year. It is typically scheduled during outside of the seasons of Lent and Advent.

Please register here as soon as possible, to arrange for a one-on-one individual catechism plan (ICP) and pay your fee of $100.00 (payment does not guarantee Baptism)..  After you have registered, paid your fees, take the following course online at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and complete it as your earliest convenience. Your will receive a call from a Parish Deacon to discuss next steps, and a final interview. 

DOCUMENTS:

• Completed Registration Form and Registration Fee ($100) - Payment of registration fee does not guarantee Baptism
• Birth Certificate (for children)
• If applicable: any prior sacramental records
• Godparent/Sponsor Forms (will be provided)

CHOOSING A GODPARENT(S):  (A Practicing Catholic who represents the Catholic church and services as a role model of faith)

• At least one godparent is required (maximum of two: one male and one female)
• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist
• Must be actively practicing the Catholic faith (attends Sunday Mass, receives the sacraments regularly)
• May not be the mother or father of the one to be baptized (see Canon 874 §1)
• Should be someone willing to support the baptized person in their life of faith
• For more information on choosing a Godparent(s), click here

PARENT/FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY: (Especially for infant and child Baptism)

• Parents/guardians must express a sincere intention to raise the child in the Catholic faith
• Commitment to regular Sunday Mass attendance
• Participation in the life of the Church community
• Parents/guardians will attend an interview with a Parish Deacon. 

Formation & Preparation:

• Infants/Young Children:
  Parents and godparents attend a Baptism preparation session
• Children (Age 7+) & Youth:
  Participate in age-appropriate catechesis and formation sessions
• Adults (OCIA):
  Participate in a period of formation, prayer, and instruction leading to the Sacraments of Initiation

PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE: 

• Commitment to attend scheduled preparation sessions
• Regular Sunday Mass attendance
• Active participation in the faith life of the parish

MARRIAGE STATUS: (for adults/parents)

• If married outside the Church or in an irregular marital situation, please inform us as soon as possible so we can assist you

Baptism Celebration: 

• Baptisms are celebrated on scheduled dates (TBD)
• Families are encouraged to invite loved ones and participate fully in the liturgy
• The baptized will receive a white garment and baptismal candle, symbolizing new life in Christ