Baptism of Children
Canon law 867 #1: "Parents are obliged to see to it that infants are baptized within the first weeks after birth; as soon as possible after the birth or even before, parents are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be properly prepared for it."
Canon law 868 #1, 2: "For the licit baptism of an infant it is necessary that: .......there be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such a hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be put off according to the prescriptions of particular law and the parents are to be informed of the reason."
At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic (participating in the Mass and Sacraments) and registered in the Parish for a minimum of four months before the Baptism date.
Schedule
All Baptisms in Spanish are scheduled on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m.; beginning in October 2009, the baptisms will be held on the second Saturday of each month in Truckee and the third Saturday of each month will be held in Kings Beach at Our Lady of the Lake church.
Baptisms in English are usually scheduled Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.; beginning in October 2009, the baptisms will be held on the second Saturday of each month in Truckee and the third Saturday of each month will be held in Kings Beach at Our Lady of the Lake church.
- All Baptisms must be scheduled through the office
NOTE: We understand that things come up unexpectedly and rescheduling is a must but PLEASE do not reserve a spot if you are not committed to a date yet, are undecided what date you want or are not yet coordinated with your reception as we are getting way too many people rescheduling sometimes 2-3 times unneccesarily.
Baptism Preparation Class
A Baptism Preparation Class is required for both parents and godparents and is good for 2 years. The godparents must participate in the baptismal preparation class or should have a letter from their parish if they do not belong to our parish, stating that they have attended the baptismal preparation class and that they are practicing Catholics.
Godparents (Sponsors)
You may have one or two godparents (one female and one male godparent). At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic, baptized and confirmed.
Canon law 874 #1: "To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must:
- be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and the intention of performing this role;
- have completed the sixteenth year, unless a different age has been established by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minister that an exception is to be made for a just cause;
- be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken;
- not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
- not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized.
#2: A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may not be admitted except as a witness to baptism and together with a Catholic sponsor."
Parents from another parish
In order to baptize a baby whose parents belong to another parish, we need written permission from their parish priest.
Required Documents:
- completed application form and read the guidelines.
- a copy of the baby's birth certificate (preferred) or official hospital record where the child was born.
- have attended class or received a copy of the Baptism Preparation letter of completion / permission if done outside the parish for parents and godparents respectively.
- $40 donation to the church (If you have financial difficulties, you will not be refused - please ask to speak to the priest to explain your situation.)
Please submit the above required documents to the office prior to the Baptism date.
Please click the links below for further information.
Baptism Preparation Class
Download Baptism Application - Bilingual (PDF)
(there is a new application now for parents/godparents, please request it from the office)
Guidelines (PDF)
Calendar
