Baptism
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Infant Baptism
WELCOME TO ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI. We are glad you have chosen to baptize your child here.
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.
Staff Baptism Coordinator is Gillian Griffis - Phone: 408-223-1770 Ext. 324, Email: ggriffis@dsj.org. Parish Office: 5111 San Felipe Rd. San Jose, CA 95135
NOTE: your child's baptism is added to the schedule once we have received the required documents. -
Infant Baptism Rite 2021
Please plan ahead and provide us with all requirements at least two to three months prior to the date you’d like.
Please read through all the information.- Baptismal Rite adaptations due to Covid-19
- Baptism day/dates
- Required documentation – all forms available in the Forms section
- Required Baptism Preparation class
- Permission if registered at another Parish
As we continue with 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. – Baptisms, may be held indoors or outdoors, depending on the County guidelines. Currently, Baptisms are only 2 children at a time.
A) Baptismal Rite adaptations Due to Covid-19
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 is limited to the child to be baptized, and 15 other attendees per family.
Information on who will be attending the baptism will be required at least one week prior to
the baptism date – Please see ‘Baptism Day – 'Family Seating Arrangements’ form in the Documents section.
3. Each family will be:- Assigned seats according to the information provided on the ‘Family Seating Arrangements’ form.
- Are asked to use the hand sanitizer as they enter
- Must wear face coverings at all times
4. Baptismal Rite:- The Baptismal Rite will be performed solely by the priest or deacon, there will be no choir or lectors.
- For the safety of your children, the Catechumen and Chrism oils are separate for each child, unless siblings, nothings is shared.
- Each child will be baptized with holy water poured from a pitcher. There will be no sharing of water.
- Only the parents and main godparents should come up to the font.
- We ask that all attendees participate fully in the Liturgy.
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.
B) Baptism Days - Saturdays *
Currently we only baptize a maximum of two children at a time. The Baptism start times are 10:15am and 11:15am.
The time preference will be given according to the sign-up date. We ask that everyone attending arrive at least 5 minutes before.- English Baptisms 1 st & 3 rd Saturday of the month
- Vietnamese Baptisms 2 nd Saturday of the month
- Spanish Baptisms 4 th Saturday of the month
*NOTE: No baptisms are held some Saturdays due to Holy days, First Communion or Feast Day.
No Baptisms on the following 2021 dates:
- During Lent – February 17th through April 4th
- May 1st, 8th and 22nd – First Communion
- October 1st – St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
- November 27th – Thanksgiving weekend
- December 11th – last Baptism date for 2021
C) Required Documentation
At minimum, a completed Request Form is required before we can add your child to the calendar. All other documentation must follow within 10 days.calendar.- Completed Baptismal Request Form - we must have this to enter your child onto the schedule
- Child’s County Birth Certificate
- Signed godparent affirmation letters – one for each godparent.
- Please read the Canonical laws to make sure the assigned godparents meet the requirements.
- Donation:
- $80 – Child's parents are registered and active St. Francis of Assisi Parishioners
- $100 – non registered, or registered less than 3 months
- Baptism Day – Family Seating Arrangements
You’ll be contacted within the week by the Baptismal Coordinator in order to provide you with a scheduled date.
D) Baptism Preparation Classes
Both Parents & Godparents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class - Please provide the correct information on the second page of the Request Form.- 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 year & child’s last name
- If taken elsewhere, we need to receive a copy of the certificate.
- If you have not taken a class, we will sign you up for one of our classes.
- Currently we are only offering Baptismal Prep Classes via Zoom. The classes are on Saturday mornings from 9:30-10:30am.
- Parents and main Godparents will be scheduled for a class at least one month before the baptism date
E) Permission Letter from another Parish
If you are registered at another Parish, but wish to baptize your child here at St. Francis of Assisi, please ask that they provide you with a permission letter.