Baptism

Sacrament of Baptism Requirements and Request for Baptism Form  (click to download) 

For children 7 years or older or adults who wish to be baptized, please refer to our Religious Education Program

It is mandatory for parents and godparents to attend an informational session that discusses the baptism of their child and the significance of this Sacrament. These sessions are concise and enjoyable, typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM in English and the second Wednesday of the month in Spanish. There are no classes in the month of May. 

Please note that registration is required, as sessions without registrants will be canceled.

To register, kindly call (954) 432-0206.

What are the requirements for parents who wish to have their child baptized?

Parents are required to ensure that there is a well-founded hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. They should be instructed on the meaning of the sacrament and the obligations that come with it. If there is no hope that the child will be raised Catholic, the baptism should be deferred (Can. 868 §1-2).

Is it necessary to have godparents for Baptism?

Yes, the Church requires that there be at least one godparent, but there may be two (one male and one female). The godparent must be a confirmed Catholic, at least 16 years old, who has received the Eucharist, lives a life in harmony with the faith, and is not under any canonical penalty (Can. 872-874).

Can someone who is not Catholic be a godparent?

A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community can be admitted as a witness to the baptism, but not as a godparent, alongside a Catholic godparent. Non-baptized persons cannot be godparents (Can. 874 §2).

What is the role of the Church in the baptism of adults?

The Church requires that adult catechumens receive sufficient instruction in the Christian faith and be able to profess their faith. They should be exhorted to repentance for their sins, and the baptismal rite for adults includes the sacrament of Confirmation and reception of the Eucharist (Can. 851 §1, Can. 865 §1).

Why do adults need to attend Christian Initiation Classes?

Children can be baptized based on their parents' faith and commitment to raise them in the Catholic faith. Adults, however, must go through RCIA to ensure they fully understand and willingly commit to the responsibilities of the Christian life before being baptized.

Can a grandparent baptize their grandchild without parental consent?

Generally, a grandparent cannot baptize their grandchild without the consent of the child's parents. According to Canon 868 §1, for an infant to be baptized licitly, the consent of at least one parent or the person who lawfully takes their place is required. The Church respects the parents' rights and responsibilities regarding their child's spiritual upbringing, and therefore, Baptism should not occur without parental consent.


These and other answers to questions you may have are based directly on the Code of Canon Law, which serves as the legal framework governing the Catholic Church. Baptism - Code of Cannon Law