Baptism

Why Baptism Is Needed

Baptism marks the beginning of a life of faith. The Catholic Church teaches that this sacrament signifies the presence of Christ in the life of the infant and welcomes the child into the Christian community. As a sacrament, Baptism brings responsibilities and commitments, including the duty to nurture and share the gift of faith.

Because infants cannot make this commitment for themselves, parents and godparents publicly promise to raise the child in the Catholic faith. This commitment is expressed and celebrated during the Baptism ceremony.

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Infant Baptism Parish Requirements

1. Parish Registration

• Registration must be completed in person at the parish office by one of the parents.
  
• At least one parent must either:
  
  • Be a registered parishioner of Holy Trinity for six months prior to the baptism date, or
    
  • Reside within the parish boundaries (proof of residency required if not registered).
    

2. Practicing Catholic Parent

• At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic, active in the faith, and committed to raising the child in the Catholic tradition.
  

3. Child’s Official Birth Certificate

• A government‑issued birth certificate must be provided.
  
• The certificate issued by the hospital is not valid for baptism.
  

4. Baptism Preparation Class

• Parents and godparents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class at Holy Trinity unless they completed one within the past two years at this parish.
  
• A $50 fee per child applies (cash or check only).
  

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Godparents (Sponsors)

A godparent assists the parents in raising the newly baptized in the Catholic faith and, if necessary, can assume this role in their place.

Eligibility According to Canon Law and Parish Requirements

• Each child must have one godparent, and may have two, one male and one female.
  
• Godparents must:
  
  • Be chosen by the parents.
    
  • Have the intention and ability to fulfill the role.
    
  • Be at least 16 years old.
    
  • Be fully initiated Roman Catholics (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
    
  • Be practicing Catholics who regularly attend Sunday Mass and observe Holy Days of Obligation.
    
  • Live a life in harmony with the teachings of the Church, including being in a valid sacramental marriage if married.
    
  • Provide:
    
    • A Confirmation certificate (if single).
      
    • A Church-issued marriage certificate (if married). Civil marriage licenses are not accepted.
      
  • Not be the child’s mother or father.
    

Additional Notes

• A single sponsor is permitted but may not be living in a civil marriage or common‑law union.
  
• A sponsor may serve for one or more children.
  

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Certificate Information

• The information recorded on the baptism certificate must match the child’s birth certificate exactly.
  
• The parish cannot make changes to names after registration. Any corrections must be made before the baptism date.
  

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Baptism Scheduling and Classes

• Baptisms for infants are celebrated communally once per month.
  
  • English: Second Sunday of each Month at 2:30 PM
  • Spanish: Third Sunday of each Month at 2:00 PM
    
• Baptism cannot take place until both parents and sponsors fulfill this requirement.
  
• Parents and sponsors must attend a pre-baptismal class.
  
  • If unable to attend, arrangements must be made to attend at a later date or at another parish.
    
  • Baptism cannot take place until both parents and sponsors fulfill this requirement.
    
• There is no fee for the class, though it is customary to make a donation for the baptism.
  

To register or obtain class schedules, please contact the parish office at 214-526-8555.

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Emergency Baptisms

If an infant or adult is in danger of death due to sudden illness or a terminal condition, contact the parish office immediately. Note that unexpected travel does not qualify as an emergency situation.

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Questions and Answer

What is the Preparation Program?
The Preparation Program gives parents and Godparents an opportunity to reflect on their own faith, to learn more about the meaning of the sacrament of Baptism, and to be made aware of the responsibilities of being Catholic parents or sponsors at baptism.

What if the Godparent isn’t Catholic?
A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness (Code of Canon Law, cc. 872-874; Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255).

Can We Have A Private Baptism?
Holy Trinity Catholic Church does not celebrate private baptisms. All baptisms are celebrated communally once per month.

English: Second Sunday of each Month at 2:30 PM
Spanish: Third Sunday of each Month at 2:00 PM

What Zip Codes Do You Accept?
Holy Trinity currently serves the zip code boundary within 75204, 05, 07, 09, 19, and 35.

I Grew Up At Holy Trinity and Want My Child Baptized.
If you have moved away, and are no longer celebrating Mass with us, or living within the zip codes we support, we will not be able to perform the baptism. Please reach out to the church you are currently attending. We would love for you to visit though!

Who Is Required To Attend The Baptism Course?
Catholic parents and Godparent(s) for the child must attend the Baptism preparation program before their child’s baptism unless they have attended the program in the past two years at Holy Trinity. They will be automatically signed up for the class of the month the baptism will be held at unless they indicate otherwise.

Have Questions? Please call

214-526-8555
Church Office