Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift (Catechism of the Church 1216). Jesus taught us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19-20). God wants us to be his children, even if we do not deserve it.

• Through baptism, your child becomes part of the Body of Christ and the Roman Catholic Church.
• During the baptism of small children, parents and godparents promise before God to educate their child/godchild in the Catholic faith, so that when he/she grows up he/she can choose to follow Jesus Christ having a personal relationship with him.
• The hard work comes after baptism; For this reason parents and godparents must create a strong foundation in the faith by giving testimony for their children/godchildren.
• Parents are their children’s first catechists, through their teaching and testimony of sacramental life.

Preparation & Requirements To Baptize at St. Alexander

Your application must be complete to be accepted and processed. Following documents need to be included at time of registration:

1. Baptism Application:
     Fill out application completely.
     *if information is incomplete your application will  be returned and accepted until       all pieces turned in.

2. Pre-baptismal Prep Classes
    a) cover the $30 fee for prep (cash or check) if classes are taken here. This   
        covers both parents and sponsors. *We will register you for classes upon
        receiving your application with supporting documents.
      
         Or ...
 
   b) Present proof of pre baptismal classes, if prep previously taken here or
       elsewhere by parents and/or sponsors.  
         
3. Birth Certificate
     Provide state issued copy of child’s birth certificate,  *Child’s and parents 
     names will appear on baptism certificate as they appear on birth certificate. 
 
4. Marriage Certificate
     Provide a copy of the sponsors certificate of sacrament of Marriage (this applies
     to each sponsor, whether you have a couple or individuals who are not a couple
     but are married).   
 
The baptism date will be reserved once we receive all requirements and classes have been completed. We recommend you do not make reception plans until you have secured the date.

For those who are 7 years of age or older

Candidates 7yrs old or older, must participate in a different process, called Rite of Christian Initiation, RCIA (adults) or RCIC (children/youth). The Church determines that at this age, the candidate is old enough to take catechesis and prepare to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation. For more information, please contact our Director of Religious Education: .Kim Folsom, ext.15 or kfolsom@archdpdx.org

What is required to be a Sponsor?

The word of God tells us, “and teach them to fulfill all that I have entrusted to you …” Therefore the Catholic Church requires that those who receive the honor to have been asked to be sponsors, profess and live out their faith, thus being an example of Christian life for our godchildren and support for their parents. Following this mandate, those who are considered to be sponsors must meet ALL of the following specifications:

1) You can have 1 or 2 sponsors. If two are chosen, it must be a man and a woman.
    They are not required to be a couple.
 
2) Be at least 16 years old.

3) Be practicing Catholics and have received the sacraments of initiation: Baptism,       confrimation, First Communion
 
4) Be single or married in the Catholic Church. (This applies to each person
    individually) *Those who are living under common law or only civilly married, are
    not eligible in the archdiocese of Portland to be a sponsor.

5) Pre baptismal classes are to be taken. See the information on the left.

Note: These  applies to each sponsor, whether one or two are chosen and whether or not they are a couple. Each one must meet the archdiocesan requirements.

If at this moment you do not meet the requirements to be a sponsor, we invite you to contact your parish office to assist you in your faith journey. Our intention is not to limit you, rather, our desire is to support you to continue growing in your faith and be an active member of the body of Christ and the Church.

2021 Baptism Classes.

• Classes are offered in Person. 
• To register fill out the proper application form and turn it into the parish office.
• Classes are normally offered on Tuesday evening. 

Dates & Times will be scheduled with you once we process your application.     

2021 Baptism Dates & Times

Baptisms in English are scheduled upon request (Normally on Saturdays). The date can be scheduled once your application is received and processed. 

Covid-19 Adaptations: Baptisms will be conducted under the capacity allowed for our county and according to our parish's means to help all stay safe. Mouth coverings must we worn at all times for anyone 3 yrs and older. Seating will be done with adequate social distancing and ritual will have modifications to avoid touching and sharing of any articles. Bring candle & and small towel/cloth (no shell will be used, however any religious articles will be blessed at the end of service).

Updated | Actualizado: 9/8/21 ESA