Baptism

Infant Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is often called “The door of the Church,” because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church.

(Note: if you need to request a Baptismal document for someone that has already been Baptized, please click Sacramental Document Requests)

Infant Baptisms are celebrated on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:00 pm (following 12:00 pm Mass), except on the Sundays during Lent. In November and December, infant baptisms may be held on different Sundays, so as not to conflict with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Please remember - baptisms are not celebrated during Lent.

Our Lenten season invites each of us to draw closer to Jesus in prayer and do good works, Baptisms are suspended during Lent and the Baptism preparation classes will continue after Easter.

Baptism Preparation Classes

You must attend a Baptism Preparation Class, which is normally held from 7pm- 9pm once a month. Call the parish to register for classes.  An infant baptism information form must be filled out and emailed to the parish office: pduffy@gsbh.org.

Godparents must also attend the Baptism Preparation Class. If godparents live too far away to attend the preparation class at Good Shepherd, they must attend at their own parish and provide written confirmation from that parish that they attended a preparation class.

You may have more than one godparent for your child; however, at least one godparent is required to be a fully initiated Catholic. It is best if the godparents are people who play a significant role in the life of the child, and who will remain a religious and spiritual support as the child grows to adulthood.

Before planning a baptism, please note the date of regularly scheduled baptisms (and make sure it is not during Lent). Inform relatives of the regularly scheduled date before they make their travel plans. Exceptions are made only for significant family scheduling difficulties.

For more information regarding Infant Baptisms and to schedule your child for participation, please contact Penny Duffy at (310) 285-5425, ext 1001.

Baptism Fee

The Baptism fee is $300 for community Baptisms. The fee can be paid at the Baptism Class and is due prior to the Sunday ceremony.

Adult Baptism

Adult Baptism is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults consists of two phases: that of Inquiry and that of a Catechumen.

The first phase (Inquiry) is a time for questions. Set in an open atmosphere, this stage allows for the investigation of the Catholic Church: what Catholics believe, the sacraments and other matters of interest to anyone embarking on a faith journey.

The second phase (Catechumen) is a time of commitment. As a catechumen, and after discernment, the individual, together with others who have made a similar decision, proceeds along a spiritual path which leads toward Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. At this point, the focus is on various elements of Christian theology and experience: prayer, the Holy Scriptures, the sacraments, the Mass, and the Catholic life.

Although the program tends to begin in the fall, people interested are welcome at any time.

There is no time limit, as each faith journey is a personal one.

For more information, please contact Sister Virginia Stehly, C. S. J., Director, RCIA and Adult Confirmation, at (310)285-5425 x1007 or email vstehly@gsbh.org