Due to the sanctity of the Sacrament of Baptism and assuming that the child will be raised in the practice of the Catholic faith, preparation is required for all baptisms.

Please read the following guidelines and requirements thoroughly. It is our intention to make this a joyous and wonderful celebration for you, your child and your family.

All non-members of Mission San Juan Bautista are required to bring their own parish priest to celebrate their child's baptism here at the Mission. Due to the volume and requests for baptisms, the Pastor of the Mission is only available for registered parishioners.

Mission San Juna Bautista will schedule the baptism for the month following completion of pre-baptism instruction and receipt of all documentation. For example, if all requirements have been met in April, then the baptism will be scheduled for the month of May.

Please contact the Parish Office at 831-623-2127 if you have questions.

Baptism Preparation Requirements
(For Old Mission San Juan Bautista Registered Parishioners)

1. Parents must be registered and active parishioners for at least 4 months prior to being scheduled for pre-baptism class.
   

2. Completed Baptism Inquiry form.

3. Attend a pre-baptism class before the baptism is scheduled (unless they have attended a class within the past 24 months).

4. A copy of the child's birth certificate.
   
   
5. $25 donation.
   
   
6. Parents are to select one or two Catholics in good standing with the Catholic Church to serve as the child's Godparent(s). Only a Catholic person can be a Godparent sponsoring a child into the Catholic Church. A Godparent must meet the following criteria (per Canon Law):

   a. Must be over the age of 16,
   b. Must be a Confirmed Catholic,
   c. In good standing with the Catholic Church,
   d. If married, must be married through the Catholic Church.
   
   If the parents cannot designate a Catholic for this important role, then one non-Catholic who is baptized and belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community can be a "Christian Witness". (Please note: If there will be a Christian Witness, there must also be a qualified Godparent.) Christian Witnesses need to provide proof of baptism and a letter from their pastor stating that they are in good standing in their church. They are also required to attend the pre-baptism class

For all Godparents:

• We need:
  
  a. A recent copy of your Baptism Certificate with all notations of Sacraments received (a recent copy of your confirmation certificate is acceptable).
  b. A letter from your pastor stating that you are in good standing with the Catholic Church.
  c. A certificate or letter stating that you have attended the pre-baptism class. (May attend with the parents in their parish.)
  
  
• Christian Witnesses need to provide the following:
  
  a. Proof of Baptism.
  b. Letter from your pastor stating they are in good standing and active in their church.
  c. Proof of pre-baptism class attendance.

Requirements for Non Mission San Juan Bautista Parishioners
(For those coming from another Catholic Church)

For parents - Mission San Juan Bautista requires:

1. A letter from their pastor stating that the parents are active and in good standing with the church, that the pastor gives permission for the child to be baptized in another parish, and that he agrees to travel to Mission San Juan Bautista to celebrate the baptism.
   
   
2. A certificate or letter stating that the parents have been to a pre-baptism class.
   
   
3. Completed Baptism Inquiry form.
   
   
4. A copy of the child's birth certificate.
   
   
5. $50 donation.
   
   
6. Parents are to select one or two Catholics in good standing with the Catholic Church to serve as the child's Godparent(s). Only a Catholic person can be a Godparent sponsoring a child into the Catholic Church. A Godparent must meet the following criteria (per Canon Law):
   

a. Must be over the age of 16,
b. Must be a Confirmed Catholic,
c. In good standing with the Catholic Church,
d. If married, must be married through the Catholic Church.

If parents cannot designate a Catholic for this important role, then one non-Catholic who is baptized and belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community can be a "Christian Witness". (Please note: If there will be a Christian Witness, there must also be a qualified Godparent.) Christian Witnesses need to provide proof of baptism and a letter from their pastor stating that they are in good standing in their church. They are also required to attend the pre-baptism class.

For all Godparents

• We need:
  
  a. A recent copy of your Baptism Certificate with all notations of Sacraments received (a recent copy of your confirmation certificate is acceptable.)
  b. A letter from your pastor stating that you are in good standing with the Catholic Church.
  c. A certificate or letter stating that you have attended the pre-baptism class. (May attend with the parents or in their home parish.)
  
  
• Christian Witnesses need to provide the following:
  a) Proof of Baptism;
  b) Letter from your pastor stating you are in good standing and active in your church;
  c) Proof of pre-baptism class attendance.

Pre-Baptism Classes are held on the second Saturday (9 am) of the month in English and the second Tuesday (6 pm) of the month in Spanish by appointment only. Please call the Parish Office (831-623-2127) to register for a pre-baptism class.

page updated 5/21/08