Baptism of Children

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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 and in the word."  CCC no. 1213


Children or infants are those who have not yet reached the age of discernment (8 Years of age) and therefore cannot have or profess personal faith. From the earliest times, the Church, to which the mission of preaching the Gospel and of baptizing was entrusted, has baptized children as well as adults. Our Lord said: "Unless a man is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (John 3:5).


This faith is proclaimed for them by their Parents and Godparents, who represent both the local Church and the whole society of saints and believers: "The Church is at once the mother of all and the mother of each." (St. Augustine)


Because of the natural relationship, parents have a more important ministry and role in the Baptism of infants than the godparents. A child may have one Godfather and a one Godmother. A Baptism may occur with only one Godparent. That Godparent must be practicing and a fully initiated Catholic in good standing in the Church.


Practical Things


Information needed for the interview:

  1. The Parents or Legal Guardians should be present
  2. A copy of the child’s Birth Certificate from the County
  3. Parent’s/Guardian's address, phone number and marital status (single, married in Church or civilly)
  4. Names of Godparents

For Parents

Preparation for your child's Baptism may be made before the birth. Once the County issued Birth Certificate has been obtained and all preparation has been completed, then a date may be set.

Godparents who are from another Parish must complete a "Sponsor for Baptism Form". This form will need to be filled out, signed by the Pastor, have the Parish Seal, and then returned to us. If the interview and Baptismal Preparation Class take place before the birth of the child, a copy of the County issued Birth Certificate must be obtained and submitted to the Parish Office before the date of the Baptism can be set.

  • Contact the Parish Office during business hours (209) 835-4560. You will be given a date for an appointment and the time of the interview; both Parents must attend.
  • For the interview you must have a copy of the child's County Issued Birth Certificate in your possession.
  • If appropriate, you will be signed up for the Baptismal Preparation Class (these are held one evening a month). Both the Father and the Mother of the baby are required to attend these Classes; if the Godparents live within the Parish boundaries, they must attend these Classes also. If they do not live within the Parish boundaries, they must attend the Baptismal Preparation Classes at their Parish.

For Godparents

The role of the Godparent is to help their Godchild lead a Christian life. Also, if the Parents are not be able to fulfill their responsibility any longer, the Godparents will ensure the Christian upbringing of the Child.

Requirements for being a Godparent:

  • The Godparent must be Catholic,
  • must have received all 3 Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation),
  • be in good standing with the Catholic Church,
  • faithfully practice his/her faith actively,
  • and if married, must be married in the Catholic Church.


If the Godparent is not married and has a live-in partner, such a person is not acceptable for the role of a Godparent! If a person is a Christian, but not a Catholic, he/she can only be a Christian Witness to the Baptism, but not a Godparent! (please note that a Baptized Catholic, not practicing the Catholic Faith does not qualify as a Christian Witness). Non-baptized persons cannot be either a Godparent or a Christian Witness. None the less, there must be at least one Catholic Godparent. 


Once the requirements are met, the date for Baptism will be scheduled. Baptism are community affairs - there are no private Baptisms!

Registered Parishioners of St. Bernard’s who wish to have a Baptism or be a Godparent in another Parish, must call the Parish Office 209-835-4560 to schedule an interview appointment. 

Day of Baptism Reminders

  • Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled time.
  • One bench is reserved for each family.
  • Parents (with the child) sit on the center aisle of the bench. Godparents sit next to them. Additional family members (as many that will fit) may sit in the same bench.
  • Other family members and friends are to sit behind the reserved signs.
  • Please make sure cell phones are turned off.


Remember that you are in God's house, which is a place of prayer. You are encouraged to take the time to talk with God and reflect on the Sacrament that is about to take place.

When it is time to begin the celebration, parents with their child for baptism and the official Godparents, will be asked to go to the Vestibule (front entrance) of the church. Honorary Godparents remain in the bench.

  • Form two lines across the Vestibule.
  • Parents with their child are in front.
  • Godparents stand directly behind the parents.


Listen attentively to what the celebrant says. Answer loudly. The people in the church need to hear your responses!

During the entire service, please try not to fuss about your child. The prayers for the baptism are beautiful.

For the actual baptism, the mother normally holds the child.

One Godparent will be asked to light the child's baptismal candle.

Out of respect for the sanctity of the sacrament and the church, we ask that you please tell your guests to not move around the church to take pictures. However, they may move to take a picture of the actual baptism. Additional pictures may be taken at the end.

You are encouraged to celebrate your child's Baptism every year!