Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

The sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of, and the initial step into, the Christian life. It is the first of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Along with the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, it makes up the sacraments of Christian Initiation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the word baptism comes from the Greek baptizein, which means to "plunge" or "immerse" into water. Through the sacrament of Baptism we are freed from original sin, reborn as a child of God, become members of Christ, and are incorporated into the family of the Catholic Church. ( CCC 1213)

Baptism of Infants

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on Sundays (outside of Mass)  except during Lent when no baptisms are held.  Baptisms are normally scheduled at Our Lady of the Rosary Church at 1:00pm; St. Albert the Great Church at 2:00pm; St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 3:00pm.  Baptisms can also be scheduled during a regular Sunday Mass or at certain times on Saturdays.

Baptisms in Spanish are scheduled through the Hispanic Ministry Office (650) 494-2496 ext. 23. 

Parents and Godparents are required to attend a baptism preparation class prior to their child's baptism.  These classes are normally scheduled at 10:30am on the fourth Saturday of the month at the Pastoral Center.  Please call ahead to reserve your place at (650) 494-2496 ext.10.

Godparents

The role of a godparent is to help you in raising your child in the Catholic faith as representatives of the faith community. We encourage you to choose godparents who will take their role seriously. Your child may have two godparents. If there are two, then one must be male and the other female. Godparents must be at least 16 years of age and at least one of the godparents must be a confirmed Catholic.  If you are having your child baptized at our parish, godparent(s) will need to attend a baptism preparation class. 

Baptism of Adults and Children of Catechetical Age

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) offers classes for adults and children aged 6 or older into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).

To learn more about receiving the sacrament of Baptism as an adult or child of catechetical age, visit the RCIA page.

Baptism Preparation Class

Parents and godparents must attend a Baptism Catechesis Class prior to their child's baptism. Classes are held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Pastoral Center, 3290 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.  To schedule a baptism and register for an upcoming class, email Deacon Daniel Hernandez (dhernandez@dsj.org) or call the Pastoral Center at 650-494-2496.