Baptism

In order to offer the best support for parents in preparing for a child’s baptism, our parish requires participation in a baptism preparation process.  This process is designed to help parents and godparents understand the Sacrament of Baptism and to offer them support in helping their child/godchild to fully live the gifts received in Baptism.  It is highly encouraged for expectant parents to prepare for the baptism before the birth of their child or, at the least, no later than two months prior to the desired baptism date.

Parents and Godparents must attend a Baptism Class

Holy Family holds a Baptism preparation class every other month. In order for parents and godparents to receive the full benefit of the class, we ask that children not accompany parents. 

Baptism Classes are scheduled every other month on the 1st Thursday from 6:00-7:30 pm. Please consult the calendar. 

Parents are highly encouraged to attend a class prior to their child’s birth.  Baptism classes at another Catholic parish are acceptable with a form or letter being remitted to Holy Family stating who, when and where the class was attended.

At least one godparent must be a Catholic who has received First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation and who lives a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.  If married, they must be in a valid Catholic marriage. Godparents must complete the Godparent Elibility Form and have it signed by their pastor.

Parents must submit required paperwork

The following are required in order to schedule your child’s baptism: 

• Copy of the birth certificate
• Completed Request for Baptism form. 
• Non-parishioners – If you are a parishioner at another parish, you must submit a letter from your pastor giving his permission for your child to be baptized at Holy Family and get permission from the pastor of Holy Family.

These documents may be submitted by mail, in person or email to [email protected] 

Scheduling the Baptism
Once the above have been completed and received in the office, you may call or email Genni Sayers to request a date and time.
Baptisms may be scheduled at our weekend Masses as available. A semi-private Baptism celebration is held on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 am for up to 4 families. Private baptisms are at the discretion of the priest or deacons and their availability.

Presider
Fr. Hoa Nguyen will preside at all the baptisms at Mass.  Our three deacons rotate presiding at the semi-private baptisms on Saturday mornings.  Private baptisms are at the discretion of the priest or deacon and their availability.

A guest priest or deacon is welcome.  Those from outside the Fort Worth Diocese must submit a testimony of suitability and be delegated by the pastor of Holy Family Catholic Parish.  Those from within the Fort Worth Diocese need only a delegation by the Holy Family pastor.

Children 7 and older who have not been baptized must participate in Rite of Christian Initiation [RCIA] Adapted for Children.   The RCIA Adapted sessions begin in September and meets on Thursday evenings.  The entire family is expected to attend these meetings and to participate in the process.  The children will receive all the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass. This is usually a 2 year process for uncatechized children.  Contact Meg Ruhter for more information.   

Teens
Teens who are not baptized must participate in RCIA Adapted for Teens.  The RCIA Adapted sessions begin in September and meets on Thursday evenings.  The entire family is expected to attend these meetings and to participate in the process.  The catechumen will receive all the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass. This is usually a 2 year process for uncatechized teens. Contact Kelli Tull Waldrop for more information.