Baptisms
Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in becoming members of the Catholic Church. Saint Bernard celebrates communal baptisms, and is excited to guide you in initiating your child in the Catholic faith.
Registration should be completed by parents only, and one month prior to the anticipated Baptism date. You may pick up a registration form at the Parish office or fill one out below, and drop off or email it to the office. The required documents and donation to be submitted are as follows:
• Child's birth certificate
• Completed registration form
• Pre-baptismal class certificates for both parents & Godparents
• $50.00 registration donation
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Pre-baptismal classes at St. Bernard are held in the Friendship Hall every:
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1st Saturday of the month at 10:00 am in English
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2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in Spanish
It is a donation of ten dollars per person. This class does not require registration as it is on a walk-in basis. We kindly ask that only parents and Godparents attend the class.
If you are unable to attend our class sessions, you are more than welcome to attend a pre-baptismal class at another Catholic parish. Once completing the Baptism class, you may submit the class certificates. If a class has previously been taken outside of St. Bernard, the certificate will not be validated if it is over two years old. We also accept classes that were taken at St. Bernard’s Church within five years. We currently do not accept online classes.
Baptism celebrations are held on the following Saturdays:
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Every 3rd Saturday in English at 10:00 am
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Every 4th Saturday in Spanish at 10:00 am
Please arrive 20 minutes prior. At this time, we do not offer private baptisms.
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For infant baptisms, we baptize children under 7 years of age. If 7 or older, please register your child to Religious Education.
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Only Parents or Legal Guardians can baptize their children.
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Godparents must be 17 years or older, and have all their sacraments completed. If they are a couple and living together, they will need to be married by the Church. Proof will be required.
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One parent must be Catholic in order to baptize their child. If parents are not Catholic, the child cannot be baptized.
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Parents cannot be a sponsor for their own child.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a couple who are not married but living together ask their child to be baptized?
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We ask that you ​choose people who follow the Catholic faith and have completed all sacraments. Couples who are chosen as Godparents should be married by the church.
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Can two separate people who are not in a relationship baptize my child?
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Yes. We expect the person you choose as Godparents are Catholics who live happily according to Mother Church's commandments. It is required for them to have completed their sacraments: Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. Certificates of both Godparents will be required.
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Can my child have more than one pair of Godparents?
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Yes they can, however only one pair will be added on the baptismal certificate.
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Can my child have two Godmothers or two Godfathers?
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No, as per Canon Law, only one Godparent can be male and one female. The child can also have just one Godparent, either male or female, or none.
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What if we just want to take the class and baptize elsewhere?
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You can take the class only. We ask for a $10.00 donation per person taking the class.
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Why do you only offer communal baptisms?
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Communal baptisms are the norm, as they are community celebrations for the entire parish.
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