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 older children not accompany parents. Register for a Baptism Class: REGISTER

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.

Parents must submit required paperwork

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

• Completed online request form (see button below)
• Copy of the birth certificate
• Baptism certificate with notations for the Catholic parent(s)
• 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.

All these documents should be submitted here: REQUEST FORM

Godparents

One Catholic godparent is required. They must have received Baptism, First Communion, the Sacrament of Confirmation and live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.  If married, they must be in a valid Catholic marriage. You may have up to two godparents, if desired, one godfather and one godmother. Godparents must complete the Godparent Suitability Form and have it signed by their pastor and sealed by their home parish.

Godparents must submit required paperwork

• Sacramental records
• Godparent Suitability form completed and signed & sealed by their home parish Godparent Suitability Form 

Godparent documents should be submitted here: Godparent Forms

Scheduling the Baptism
Once all documents have been submitted and verified, you will be contacted to schedule the date.
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 four families. Private baptisms depend upon the availability of the priests or deacons and must be scheduled through the Formation Office.

Presider
Fr. Hoa Nguyen or Fr. Isaac McCracken will preside at all the baptisms at Mass.  Our three deacons rotate presiding at the semi-private baptisms on Saturday mornings. 

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 pastor of Holy Family.

Children 7 and older who have not been baptized must participate in Order of Christian Initiation [OCIA] Adapted for Children.   The OCIA Adapted sessions begin in August and will meet on Sundays 10:30 - 11:45.  You may register for Family Faith Formation HERE. The entire family is expected to attend these meetings and to participate in the process.  This is a 2 year preparation that will culminate with the children receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.   

Contact Meg Ruhter or Michelle Romero for more information.   

Please Complete: OCIA-Adapted Intake Form

Teens
Teens who have not been baptized must participate in Order of Christian Initiation [OCIA] Adapted for Children.   The OCIA Adapted sessions begin in August and will meet on Sundays 10:30 - 11:45.  You may register for Family Faith Formation HERE. The entire family is expected to attend these meetings and to participate in the process.  This is a 2 year preparation that will culminate with the teen receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.  

 Contact Meg Ruhter or Michelle Romero for more information. 

Please complete: ​OCIA-Adapted Intake Form​​​