BAPTISM

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." - The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1213

What is Baptism?

INFANTS & CHILDREN UNDER AGE 7

The decision to have a child baptized is very significant and exciting! This decision means that you and the godparent(s) are choosing to accept responsibility for your child’s faith development. We are here to help guide you through this journey!

Follow these steps:

  • Infant Baptisms are celebrated on the third Saturday of every month at 10 am. To allow for the maximum amount of preparation, please begin this process at least 2 months before your desired baptismal date.

  • Godparents play an integral role in your child’s life and journey of faith. A child may have one or two godparents, a male and/or a female. A Godparent must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. They must be at least 16 years of age, and have received all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. If they are married, they must have been married in the Catholic Church. Please see the Baptismal Registration Forms for more information regarding Godparent requirements.

    Godparents must attend the Baptism Preparation Session.

  • Click here to complete the Baptism Registration Form.

  • Once we receive your Baptismal registration form, we will contact you to schedule a Baptism Preparation Session based on a date and time that works for your family. Parents & Godparents are required to attend the Baptism Preparation Session.

CHILDREN AGES 7-8th grade

Children in this age group who have not yet been baptized will enroll in a special program called “Orders of Christian Initiation of Adults” (O.C.I.A.) Adapted for Children”.

  • O.C.I.A. Adapted for Children is a two-year process that includes classroom instruction for the child and adult instruction for parents and godparents. Upon completion of this program, children will be fully initiated into the Church and will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.

  • Contact the Faith Formation office to begin the registration process (949) 495-4126 or email Andrea Marian amarian@st-timsrc.org.

TEENS (9TH-12TH GRADE)

Teens in this age group who have not yet been baptized will enroll in a special program called “Orders of Christian Initiation of Adults” (O.C.I.A.) Adapted for Teens”.

  • O.C.I.A. Adapted for Teens is a two-year process that includes classroom instruction for the teens and adult instruction for parents and godparents. Upon completion of this program, children will be fully initiated into the Church and will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.

  • Register here or contact the Faith Formation office with any questions: (949) 495-4126.

    Teens in High School who have not yet been baptized can register for Confirmation and will be prepared for all of their Sacraments during the two-year process.

ADULTS AGES 19+

The process for adults joining the Church is known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.).

  • Are you, or someone you know, interested in joining the Catholic Church? We, as the Catholic Community of St. Timothy are ready to accompany you on your journey of faith. The process for adults joining the Church is known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.).

  • O.C.I.A. is for…

    An unbaptized person who follows a process to help them grow in awareness to God’s call to conversion, as well as ways to respond to that call by receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

    OR

    People who have been baptized in another Christian church, from a faith tradition other than the Catholic faith, who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

    OR

    Those who were baptized in the Catholic Church who have not received formation in the Catholic faith. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

  • Inquiry: Inquiry sessions are an opportunity for you to ask questions; there is no expectation that you will join the O.C.I.A. Inquiry is an honest, open environment without judgment to help you find answers and discern your readiness to proceed into the O.C.I.A. Inquiry occurs on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of every month after the 9AM Mass in the Front Office conference room. All are welcome!

    Dismissal: This happens every week during the Sunday 9AM Mass. O.C.I.A. catechumens (the unbaptized) attend the first part of Mass and are then led to another area to study the Scripture readings further.

    Catechesis: You, your parish mentor, and your fellow participants in the O.C.I.A. will be learning about the Catholic faith through our weekly Catholicism 101 series on Sundays after the 9AM Mass to help you have faith-centered conversations and experiences to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

  • For more information on how to begin the process, please contact Matt Zemanek mzemanek@st-timsrc.org or (949) 973-9025