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.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church recommends that preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism begins three months in advance of the anticipated date of the ceremony. Preparation may begin before the birth of the child.
Questions? Please contact us at 650-593-6157 or rlang@ihmbelmont.org.
Baptism of Infants and Young Children
Baptisms are scheduled by appointment only, and are regularly held on first and third Sundays of each month at 1:00 pm in the Church. To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, parents are asked to meet in person with a staff member to complete paperwork and confirm dates
(note: date of service will not be confirmed prior to meeting with staff member.)
We look forward to preparing and celebrating with you! Use this link or contact the parish office to get started. (650-593-6157 rlang@ihmbelmont.org)
Baptism Preparation Class
Parents and godparents must attend a Baptism catechesis class prior to the child's baptism. These classes are on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Session date will be set at the meeting with parents for baptisms at IHM.
These sessions are also open to anyone needing to attend a Preparation Class. Contact Robyn Lang to schedule. rlang@ihmbelmont.org or 650-593-6157 x1022
The parent or guardian of the child chooses the godparent(s). Two godparents may be chosen, but only one is required. If two godparents are chosen, there must be one male and one female. Each godparent must meet the following criteria:
Christian Baptismal Witness
If a family wishes to include one person who is a baptized Christian, but not Catholic, they may include that person as a Christian Baptismal Witness. They follow all the Godparent requirements, except they are not required to have received all three Initiation Sacraments.
Godparents will need to have the appropriate form completed and returned to the parish at least two weeks prior to the baptism date. Please let us know if you have any questions. 650-593-6157 or rlang@ihmbelmont.org
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a process through which adults discern if the Catholic tradition of the Christian life is appropriate for them. Through discussion, prayer, and reflection, we accompany the person on this journey of faith, allowing each person to develop a relationship with God.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults for Children is a process that will prepare children to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) and Reconciliation. When parents bring their children to us for sacramental preparation, we think of the process as a ministry to the family.
Children seven years of age or older who have not been baptized or have been baptized in another Christian tradition participate along with their families in the preparation.
To learn more about receiving the sacrament of Baptism as an adult or child of catechetical age, visit the OCIA page.