​​​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 in the Word.     

 --Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

Congratulations!

You just found out that you are pregnant and you give thanks to God for the great joy ahead. Your parish is happy for you and wants to help you any way we can.

Sometimes, especially now with Covid 19 and recession, times are tough. Remember we will stretch our resources any way we can to help you as you prepare for the great day and afterward also. This is Christ's Church and we believe in the sanctity of human life. If you need financial help with pre-natal scans or doctors bills, please, please come see us. 

So let's get started. 

Step 1: Contact your parish

• Contact your parish during pregnancy. The goal is to have your child baptized in the first few

weeks after birth (canon 867, §1), so contact your parish well in advance of the desired baptism date.

• If your child is 7 years of age and older, please contact the Faith Formation Office at your parish for

enrollment in the children’s catechumenate.

• When you visit the office and meet with Fr. Kelly or the deacon, they will ensure that your questions are answers.

Step 2: Choose godparents

• Please give some prayer time to the choice of Godparents/padrinos.
• Sometimes we choose godparents for the wrong reasons, they expect to be chosen, they are old friends etc. 
• Choose people who will give the child a fine example of Christian living.
• Choose people who will be around the child as he/she grows up. 
•  Once you have selected godparents, the parish will mail them “A Guide to Great Godparenting” and the “Baptism Godparent and Commitment Form.”

Step 3: Attend a baptism class

• Attend a baptism class.
• Try to insist that the godparents come with you.
• Tell the  godparents that we expect them to attend this class here at St. Andrew's or in another parish.
• Upon completion you will receive a certificate and can schedule your child’s baptism!

Step 4: Meet with  Fr. Kelly, Fr. Marin or Deacon Reyes

• At this meeting you will review the necessary paperwork and ask any questions you have.

Necessary Documents

1. ¨ Baptism Registration Form
2. ¨ Birth certificate (If unavailable turn it in at least 1 week before the baptism.) Adoption records, if applicable
3. Certificate of Attendance to show the baptism class was completed.
4. Baptism Godparent and Commitment Form

      Step 5: Celebrate the baptism!

• The day your child will be welcomed into the family of God is finally here! Rejoice and be glad!
• Please be on time. 
• If the baptism is celebrated during Mass, speak to the ushers and they will show you the seating reserved for you and fro your family.
• Parents and Godparents remain in the foyer of the Church with the unbaptized baby until the priest or deacon opens the door and asks, 'What name do you give this child?' 
• Please do not bring the child to the Church dressed in white. Bring the white garment so that the child can be changed into white after he/she has been baptized. 
• Please ensure that the child's clothing allows the priest to anoint the child on the breast. 
• After the pouring of water over the child's head and the anointing with Chrism, the priest takes the white garment and presents it to the child and hi/her parents and godparents, with these words; 'Recieve this white garment, the oitward sign f your new inward gignity...' 
• At that point, the family may dress the new Christian in the white garment of a Christian.
• Fr. Kelly will bless any religious objects you need blessed after the baptism. 

St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church

1611 Feagin
Lufkin, TX 75904
Phone: 936-632-9100

Date of application: ___/___/___ Application for Baptism
Child’s Full Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Date of Birth: _____/_____/_____ City or Town of Birth: __________________________________
Father’s Full Name: ________________________________________________________ Catholic: Y / N
Address: _______________________________________________ Register here? Y / N How long? _____

City/State/zip

Phone/Cell: _____________________________________________ Do you attend Mass regularly? Y / N
Married by: Civil ____ Church ____ Together ____
Mother’s Full Maiden Name: _________________________________________________ Catholic: Y / N
Address: _______________________________________________ Register here? Y / N How long? _____

City/State/zip

Phone/Cell: _____________________________________________ Do you attend Mass regularly? Y / N
Married by: Civil ____ Church ____ Together ____
God Father’s Full Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ____ Catholic: Y / N
Address: _______________________________________________ Register here? Y / N How long? _____

City/State/zip

Phone/Cell: ______________________________________________ Do you attend Mass regularly? Y / N
God Father has: Baptism: Y / N 1 St Communion: Y / N Confirmation: Y / N
Married by: Civil _____ Church _____ Together _____ Single ____
God Mother’s Full Name: __________________________________________ Age: ____ Catholic: Y / N
Address: ________________________________________________ Register here? Y / N How long? _____
City/State/zip
Phone/Cell: _____________________________________________ Do you attend Mass regularly? Y / N
God Mother has: Baptism: Y / N 1 St Communion: Y / N Confirmation: Y / N
Married by: Civil _____ Church _____ Together _____ Single ____
Class Attended: _____/_____/_____ Instructor: ________________________________________________

Date Signature of Priest or Deacon

The Parish office must receive a copy of the child’s birth certificate from court and God parent’s

marriage certificate from the church before the Sacrament can take place.

____________________________________________________________________