Go, therefore, and make disciples of all  nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”                                                                                                       Matthew 28: 18-20

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives us access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament regeneration through water in the word.”                       Catechism of the Catholic Church #213

Baptismal Requirements for Infant through Age Six 

Parents should understand that presenting their child for Baptism is a promise to faithfully raise their child in the Catholic faith, and to be an example of Christian living for their child.  

In order to celebrate your child's baptism at St. Vincent de Paul, certain requirements must be met. 
 

• It is helpful if the Catholic parents are practicing their faith by attending Mass and giving of their time, talent and treasures to support the parish. 

• Parents will need to fill out the 'Initial Information Form for Infant Baptism' completely and return the form to the parish office. Parents will need to provide a copy of the child's birth certificate and the names of the godparents. The 'Initial Information Form for Infant Baptism' is handed out at the Baptism Preparation Class.
• At least one parent is required to attend the baptismal preparation class, within 2 years prior to the baptism. Expectant parents are encouraged to attend the class prior to the birth of their child. Classes are offered the 3rd Thursday of the month, except in December, at 7PM in the chapel. Registration is required for the class. Contact the office at 817-478-8206. All questions about the baptism process will be answered at the class.
• If parents do not attend St. Vincent de Paul or do not live within our parish boundaries, they will need to obtain a letter from their parish (or the parish whose boundaries they live in) to give us permission to baptize the child.   
• All forms must be turned into the office and the baptismal preparation class must be completed before the baptism will be scheduled. 
• Single Parents : if two parent's names are on the birth certificate, a notarized letter from both parents, stating that there are no objections to the child being baptized, will be required. The letter will be provided at the baptismal preparation class.
• Divorced/Separated Parents: the parent requesting the baptism must have full legal custody of the child. In the case of joint custody, a notarized letter from both parents, stating that there are no objections to the child being baptized, will be required. The letter will be provided at the baptismal preparation class. 

Baptismal Requirements for Older Children 

• Children 7 years and older will need to attend the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for children (teens) process. Please contact Nicholas Senz  at 817-478-8206 x 217 to register or click here for more information. 

GODPARENTS

In order to serve as a Godparent(s), the following requirements must be met:

• Godparents are required to be baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. 

• Godparents(s) are to be at least 16 years old.
• They need to be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church. [In good standing means - they attend Mass regularly and they are eligible to receive the sacraments.]  
• Married Godparents must be in a valid Catholic marriage, that is, married by a priest or deacon of the Catholic Church, or have had the marriage validated, or had a dispensation from the local Bishop to be married in the church of another faith tradition. A copy of the marriage certificate or letter of validation will need to be given to the office.
• Single Godparents must be living the way the Catholic Church calls them to live. They cannot be living with a significant other. 
• Godparents are asked to attend a Baptism Preparation session, either at St. Vincent de Paul or in their own parish. If they attend the class at another parish, a certificate showing completion of the class will need to be given to St. Vincent de Paul. 
• Godparents will also need to obtain a letter of eligibility to be a godparent from their parish. 
• If a person is not a practicing Catholic or a 'non-Catholic' , they are considered a Christian Witness and are not subject to the same requirements as a godparent. 
• At least one godparent is required for each baptized individual.