Baptism is the Sacrament which cleanses us
from original sin, makes us children of God, followers of Christ and members of
his Church. At our Baptism God shares with us His life and His love which
mankind was deprived of by original sin.
Call the parish office at 281-479-4298, ext.
10 or 11 at least one month in advance to learn what is required for baptism,
and to register for the next class. At the time of registration parents must
submit a copy of the child's birth certificate. Class is conducted by Deacon
Dennis Hickey.
Parental Requirements
Parents must be formally registered in the parish with regular Mass
attendance at least three months prior to the Baptism.
We encourage parents to register and attend their Preparation Session before
their child is born.
St. Hyacinth's Preparation Session consists of one 2-1/2 hour class. The
parents who will present their child for Baptism are expected to fulfill
preparation requirements by attending this class.
Parents are required to contact the parish office to register for a Baptism
Preparation Session no later than one month prior to a class.
If you are presenting your child for Baptism and were not married in the Roman
Catholic Church, speak with the Pastor or Deacon about having your marriage
con-validated in the Church. This should precede Baptism, but will not prohibit
Baptism.
Parents requesting Baptism for a child (age 7 or older) should speak to the
Director of Religious Education concerning RCIA for children.
Choosing Godparents is a very important step. Godparents should be chosen
prayerfully and should be people who will provide examples of faith and support
of spiritual growth for your child. The role of Godparent must be taken
seriously. (Parents should not choose Godparents until certain they meet the
following criteria).
Diocesan Guidelines for Godparents
Minimum age is 16 years old.
Godparents must be practicing Catholics, having received Baptism, Confirmation
and Eucharist, and attending Sunday Mass and Communion. If they are married,
they must be married by a priest or have had their civil marriage blessed by a
priest. At least one and a maximum of two Godparents are required for each
Baptism.
Godparents must submit a letter from their Pastor stating they are practicing
Catholics, if they are not members of our parish.
Family or close friends who are not practicing Catholics, or not married by a
priest, may be witnesses at the Baptism; however their purpose is to be a
witness, not a Godparent. At least one Godparent is still required.
Parents and Godparents must attend Baptismal Preparation Session, unless they
have attended within the past two years. You may attend a class in another
parish and get a letter from that church as proof of attendance and preparation.
* Sponsors for Confirmation and RCIA must follow the same norms as Godparents
listed above.
