Baptism

Through baptism, we are cleansed of original sin and welcomed to the church as children of God, members of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of heaven. Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation, which is necessary before one can receive any other sacraments.

St. Francis Parish extends our warmest welcome to you! Whether you or your child is entering into the Catholic faith, Baptism is the beginning of one’s life in the Family of God and is surely an important step. A decision to have a child baptised means that you are choosing to accept responsibility for your child’s early faith development.

Baptism Guidelines

Infants & Children Six & Under

1. You must be a registered parishioner. If you are registered at another Parish or attend another Catholic Church, you are required to obtain a letter of good standing from your Pastor and return it to us in order to proceed.

2. You must fill out the English Baptism Registration or Spanish Baptism Registration This form is available online by clicking on the form of your choice or you may pick it up at the Church Office. The form must be turned in with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and the $75.00 fee.

3. Godparents must be Catholic and must have received the Catholic sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. If they are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. If the Godparents are not married, but are a couple, they must be living in separate households. Godparents must attend the pre-baptismal class; if they reside out of the Bakersfield area, they can take a class at their local Catholic Church and bring a certificate or letter of attendance from their Pastor. Please call our Church Office for dates and times of upcoming classes at St. Francis Parish. Non-Catholics may not be godparents, but they may be an official witness only as long as there is one Catholic Godparent who fulfills the above requirements.
4. Lastly, in order to schedule a baptism date, we must have the completed registration form, birth certificate, the $75.00 fee, and both parents and godparents must have completed attendance to the baptism class. You will not be allowed to schedule a date until all of the above is completed

If you have any further questions, please call the Church Office at 661-327-4734 or email the Baptism Coordinator.

Children Six Years & Older

Adults Eighteen Years & Older

Holy Week 2024

Baptism

Baptism

Baptism Guidelines

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