The first of the seven sacraments, and the "door" which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. The rite of Baptism consists in water or pouring water on the head while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Procedure for Baptism
It is a profound privilege for our parish clergy and staff to be able to serve parents, as they prepare to undertake the responsibility of being the “primary teachers” of their children in the faith. That first step for them begins with the parish celebration of their child's baptism into the Catholic faith.

Because this is such an important moment of grace in the life of the child and the family, our parish policies and procedures enable the parents to intelligently and fully participate
in this magnificent moment.

Canon Law (#851) guides us in this preparation, emphasizing that both parents and godparents must be properly instructed in the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations which are attendant to it. In order to best support parents as they begin their role as the primary catechists in passing on their Catholic faith to their children, Christ the King Parish has adopted the following:

• Baptisms are scheduled for parishioners after the pre-baptism requirements are fulfilled.

• Registered in the Parish. At least one parent must be a registered parishioner of Christ the King for at least four months.

• Contact the parish a minimum of four months prior to the Baptism. It is preferable to contact us during the pregnancy.

• Deacon Larry's email: deaconlarry@christthekingparish.org

• A Baptism Registration form must be completed and submitted at least four months prior to the desired Baptismal date. Please click on the link to the right of this page.

• Attendance at a Baptismal Prepration Class.

• Baptismal Classes in Spanish will be held on the 2nd Sunday of every month at 5 pm in the lower level of the church. Contact Father Antonio Hernandez for more information.

• Baptisms will ONLY be scheduled at the Baptismal Preparation Class.

• There must be an intention to raise your child as a faithful Catholic.

• Permission to have non Christ the King clergy celebrate the baptism. Priests and Deacons outside of Christ the King are welcome, but permission must be given. To obtain permission contact, Deacon Larry.

• Baptisms are to be scheduled after the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday and after the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday.

  The Church Requirement for Godparents include:

• May have two godparents. Only one godparent is necessary. If there are two, there must be one female and one male. There may not be more than two.

• Godparents must be at least 16 years of age.

• A practicing Catholic who has been confirmed ad received Eucharist. A non-Catholic Christian may be a Christian witness together with a Catholic godparent.

• Be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.

• Attend a baptismal preparation class or sponsor class. This requirement may be fulfilled at the godparent's home parish. Note: a certificate or letter of completion must be provided.

• Provide a letter from their home parish. The letter states that the godparent is a member in good standing of a particular parish and is eligible to be a sponsor for baptism.