What is Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation
into the Christian faith, instituted by
Jesus Christ. By the washing of water
and the invocation of the Holy Trinity,
we receive sanctifying grace and begin
our lifelong journey as disciples of
Christ.
Please click on the links below to download a PDF copy of the form that you will need to fill out and return to the church.
Overview of Baptism procedures at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church.
Download this form to request a Baptism at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church
This form is required and is used to determine whether or not a prospective Godparent is with good standing in the Roman Catholic Church.
Use this form as a checklist to make sure that you are prepared for your child’s big day.
Bringing Children up Catholic
Because of the importance of baptism, there must be a founded hope that an infant will be brought up in the Catholic faith (Code of Canon Law, Canon 868, §1). Parents are obligated, after baptism, to bring their children to Mass each week, to make sure that their children are educated in the faith, and to make sure that they receive the sacraments of first penance, confirmation, and first Holy Communion.
Baptism Information and Requirements
Be an Active Member of the Parish
To give a reliable indication of their intention to bring their infant up Catholic, parents are required to be registered in the parish, attending Mass, and practicing their faith prior to baptism. Use the button below to become an active memeber of our parish if you haven’t already.
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Baptism Preparation Class
If you are looking for Class Dates, please check our calandar at the bottom of the page!
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith (Canon 774, §2). Therefore, parents and godparents are required to be instructed on the meaning of the sacrament of baptism and the obligations that come from it (Canon 851, 3°). To fulfill this requirement, parents and godparents are asked to attend a baptism preparation class. Please call the parish office at (702)-399-6897 ext.102 to make an appointment.
Providing a Copy of the Birth Certificate
A copy of the birth certificate (or finalized adoption papers) is to be submitted at the parish’s office in advance of the baptism. If a birth certificate is unavailable, then the Hospital Certificate of Live Birth will be sufficient.
Marriage in the Catholic Church
Since marriage is a sacrament that enables parents to represent Christ to their children, parents should be married in the Catholic Church (Canon 835, §4). Parents married outside of the Church (either in a civil ceremony or in another religion) should speak with a priest about the possibility of validating their marriage.
Choosing a Baptismal Name
Parents are to choose a name for their children that is not contrary to Christian sensibilities (Canon 855). The choice of a saint’s name or a name from the Bible is encouraged.
Selecting Godparents
Parents may choose godparents for their children from among family and friends qualified to serve in that capacity. Parents may choose a godfather and a godmother or just one godparent (Canon 873). If two godparents are chosen, proof that godparents meet the qualifications is required for both godparents. Godparents not only serve as a witness at the ceremony of baptism but also assist the baptized in leading a Christian life (Canon 872).
Therefore, Church law requires that godparents be people who are living the Catholic faith and meet the following qualifications (Canon 874, §1):
Parents of the child to be baptized may not serve as godparents.
They should ordinarily be at least 16 years old.
They must be Catholics who have received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.
They must lead a life in harmony with the Catholic faith, including attendance at weekly Mass.
If they are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. They may not be divorced and remarried outside of the Catholic Church.
They should not be co-habitating (living together outside of marriage).
Proxies for Godparents
If godparents are not able to be present in person for the baptism, proxies may be designated to stand in for them at the ceremony.
Non-Catholic Witnesses
If only one godparent is chosen, parents may ask someone validly baptized in a non-Catholic community to serve as a witness to the ceremony, along with a Catholic godparent (Canon 874, §2). The purpose of permitting a non-Catholic witness is to promise ecumenism. Fallen away Catholics may not serve as non-Catholic witnesses. No documents are required for a non-Catholic witness.
Baptism for Children Aged 7 and Older
For children 7 years of age and older, please contact the Faith Formation Office (702-399-6897) for enrollment in the children’s catechumenate.
Planning Ahead
Parents are encouraged to ensure their infants are baptized within the first few weeks after birth, as outlined in Canon 867, §1. To facilitate this, parents should register with the parish well in advance of their desired baptism date. Additionally, both parents are invited to attend the preparation class, even before their child is born.
Baptism for Subsequent Children
If parents attended the baptism class previously at St. Anthony of Padua and are married in the Catholic Church, it is not necessary to attend the class again. Submission of the Parental consent form, birth certificate and documents for the godparents are still required for subsequent children.
When Baptisms are Celebrated
At St. Anthony of Padua, baptisms are celebrated on Saturdays. To schedule a Baptism please call the office for dates and times. The infant should be dressed in white in preparation for the ceremony.
Offerings for Baptism
Baptism fee is $50.00. However, if you have difficulty with this, please give what you can afford. Please turn in the $50.00 fee in with your paper work. Checks are payable to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
Sometimes families will give an extra gift for the priest or the deacon. If you chose to do so (and this not required), please give this gift to the priest or deacon on the day of the baptism.
2025 Baptism Class Dates (All Classes start at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in Room 201):
Please call on the day of class to confirm
No registration is required to attend class.
2026 Baptism Class (6:30 PM)
- Jan 28
- Feb 25
- Mar 25
- Apr 29
- May 27
- Jun 24
- Jul 29
- Aug 26
- Sept 30
- Oct 28
- Nov 18
2026 Baptism Dates (9:30 AM):
- Jan 10 & 24
- Feb 14 & 28
- Mar 14 & 28
- Apr 11 & 25
- May 9 & 23
- Jun 13 & 27
- Jul 11 & 25
- Aug 8 & 22
- Sept 12 & 26
- Oct 10 & 24
- Nov 14 & 28
- Dec 12 & 26
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Requirements for Baptism?
At least one of the parents and godparents must be an active Catholic, and a registered member in Good Standing of St. Anthony of Padua. If you are not a registered member of St. Anthony of Padua, a letter of “Good Standing” from your home parish will be required.
If you are a registered member and wish to have your child baptized at St. Anthony of Padua, you must attend a Baptismal Information class. You will be given some forms to complete. Use the mother’s maiden name, not her married name. Please PRINT to make it legible.
Can the parents change the godparents later?
No. Once they have witnessed the Baptism, they are the godparents forever.
How do I make an appointment for baptism?
Once you have attended the baptismal class and have all the required documents ready, call or come to the parish office during business hours to schedule a date and time. Please call (702)399-6897, for more information.
What do I bring on the day of the Baptism?
The parish will supply the candle which is yours keep. You are more than welcome to bring your own candle. Please make sure your child is dressed in something white. Please be there at least 30 minutes ahead of time and check with the coordinator or priest about any last minute details.
Is there a fee involved?
As we know Mary and Joseph offered two turtle doves at the circumcision of Jesus. Following that tradition parents give an offering to the Church. The fee for Baptism at St. Anthony of Padua is $50.00. However if you have difficulty with this please give what you can afford. Please turn in with your Baptism paperwork. Please make checks payable to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
Can I take Photographs?
You may take pictures during the baptism ceremony. Please limit to one photographer per family.
Who can hold the baby during the baptism?
Any person designated by the parents can hold the baby during the Baptism.
Who can light the candle?
Any person designated by the parents can light and hold the candle during the Baptism.
What are the Precepts of the Catholic Church?
(What should we do to live our Catholic Faith?)
- You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.
- You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
- You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
- You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
- You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
THE SYMBOLS OF BAPTISM
Water: This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away.
Sign of the Cross: When we are welcoming someone into the Church, children or adults, the sign of the cross is traced on their foreheads. This is the Church’s way of claiming them for Christ. In ancient times slave owners placed tattoos or brands on their slaves to show ownership. Christians replaced this custom with the sign of the cross.
The cross symbolizes the love of Jesus for us by His death. When we make the sign of the cross we recall Jesus’ command to love God with all our minds, all our hearts, and all our strength. We say, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” which expresses our faith in the Trinity.
Oil of Catechumens: The Oil of Catechumens is olive oil and is rubbed on the breast as a sign of protection from evil.
Chrism: The word “Christ” means anointed one. Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King. At the baptism we too are anointed to live always as members of his body. Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam and it is rubbed on the crown of the head to seal the child with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Clothing with the White Garment: A sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection. The white garment, is an old tradition of the Church, it represents, “the outward sign of our Christian dignity.” The old clothes symbolizing the sinful life one was leaving behind while the white garment expresses new life in Christ. The letter to the Colossians put it this way: “You have put off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self.”
Candles: Christ, the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the flame of the paschal candle, a sign of the risen Christ. This lighted candle symbolizes the flame of faith your child has received, as well as the call we all have to share the light of Christ with others. Prayer over Ears and Mouth: Jesus once put his fingers in the ears and touched the tongue of a deaf man saying, “Ephphetha,” which means “Be opened.” He was healed and told everybody “he makes the deaf hear and dumb speak.” This gesture explains the baptism, and expresses the mission we have as Christians to hear the word of God and to speak it to others. When the priest touches the child’s ears and mouth, he prays for Christ to “soon touch” the child’s ears to receive God’s word and his or her mouth to proclaim it. In this way the Church looks forward to the day when the gift of faith your child has received in baptism begins to bear fruit for others.
Baptismal Register: A record of this child’s entry into the Christian community.
