WELCOME TO ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

As you prepare to baptize your child, you are given the opportunity to reflect and
re-evaluate your commitment and discipleship in the Catholic faith.  The fact that you are planning to baptize your child expresses your commitment to your faith.  Your example will mold the faith of your child.  It’s such a special and sacred time, reminding us that we are all children of God and have an expressed covenant to participate in our Catholic Community.

Due to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and with the safety and welfare of all in mind, the following adaptations are being made to the sacramental celebration of infant baptism. These changes are in compliance with the County of Santa Clara mandates and the Diocese of San Jose. - All Baptisms, just as all masses are held outdoors.
 
1. Baptisms will be planned for one or two families at a time, according to what the
    schedule allows. The baptism times will be assigned to you.
 
2. Attendance will be limited to parents, siblings of the child to be baptized, godparents,
    grandparents  and possibly a few additional family members.
  
3. Each family will be asked to enter one at a time, use the hand sanitizer before moving to the
    assigned seats as instructed by the coordinator. All family members must arrive together.
 
4. Family members and godparents should maintain the required physical distance of 6 feet
    between persons outside of a particular household.
 
5. Face coverings must be worn by all persons over the age of 6 years. Face coverings must
    be worn at all times during the service.
 
6. Baptism at the font:  Each child with parents and the main godparents will be invited
    to the font. The next child, with parents and godparents will come up after the first
    family is seated. Each child will be baptized with holy water poured from a pitcher,
    there will be no sharing of water, likewise no sharing of Catechumen or Chrism oil.
 
7. Baptismal candle: Each child with parents and godparents will be asked to come to
    the altar to receive the baptismal candle.  Each family will be asked to stand on
    different sides of the altar.
 
8. The Baptismal Rite will be performed solely by the priest or deacon, there will be no
    choir or lectors.
 
9. Each family will be given time to take pictures, however we must ask that you respect the social
    distancing rules for those not of the same household.
 

• Note: If the godparents are not of the same household please maintain social distancing at all times.

Baptism Preparation Class:
Currently we are only offering Baptismal Prep Classes via Zoom.  We are making an effort for the classes not to be too large.
Please contact Gillian Griffis (gillian.griffis@dsj.org) with any questions.
 

Please see above info on 'adaptations due to Covid-19' which are currently in effect through August.


 

• English Baptisms                    10:00am 1 ^st & 3 ^rd Saturday of the month
• Vietnamese Baptisms           10:00am 2 ^nd Saturday of the month
• Spanish Baptisms                   10:00am 4 ^th Saturday of the month

                       
*NOTE: There may be some Saturdays when baptisms are not held due to Holy days, First Communion or Feast Day.

Baptisms 2020

There will be no Baptisms on the following dates:-
       - May 9 ^th and 16 ^th                            - October 3^rd
       - July 4 ^th                                     - December 19^th and 26 ^th


                

Please plan ahead and allow at least two to three months for the entire baptism process.

Read the instructions carefully.

A. Required documentation to be scheduled for baptism at St. Francis of Assisi:

• Completed Baptismal Request Form - we must have this to enter your child onto the schedule
• Child’s County Birth Certificate
• Donation:
  • $80 – Child's parents are registered and active St. Francis of Assisi Parishioners
  • $100 – non registered, or registered less than 3 months
• Signed godparent affirmation letters – one for each godparent.
  • Please read the Canonical laws to make sure the assigned godparents meet the requirements.
  • Once all items are received you’ll be contacted within the week by the Baptismal

  •      Coordinator in order to provide you with a scheduled date.

B. Baptismal Preparation Class:

    Both Parents & Godparents must attend a Preparation Class.

• If you have taken a class within the last 3 years you are not required to take it again.
  • If taken here at St. Francis of Assisi provide us the date.
  • If taken elsewhere we need to receive a copy of the certificate.
• If you have not taken a class we recommend you sign up for the class one month  prior to the date you wish to baptize your child. See dates above.
• If taking the Prep Class at another parish please send us a copy of the certificate.
• Parents are responsible for notifying the godparents of the date and time.

C. Permission from ‘other Parish’ – if applicable

If you are registered at another Parish, but wish to baptize your child at St. Francis of Assisi, we will need a permission letter from that Parish in order for you to baptize your child here.

 

Not baptizing at St. Francis of Assisi but taking a Baptismal Preparation Class here:

You may attend a class at SFOA if there is space available. We will need the information on the date and church the child is to be baptized in. A donation will be required, more information will be provided if we are able to schedule you into a class.

 

Delivery of documentation:

• At the parish office: (office hours Mon - Fri 9:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 4:00)
  • All forms are available at the office, please bring a clear copy of the birth certificate or the original certificate and we can make a copy here.
• In email: Send the attachments in an email to ggriffis@dsj.org
  • Download, complete and attach the required documents Baptismal Request Form, Godparent Affirmation Letter.
  • Scan a clear version of the County Birth Certificate
  • The donation may be mailed to St. Francis of Assisi –

St. Francis of Assisi – Baptism
5111 San Felipe Rd.
San Jose, CA 95135

Please make a note on the check: Baptism & (child’s name)