Infant Baptism

Jesus voluntarily submitted himself to the baptism of St. John, intended for sinners, in order to ‘fulfill all righteousness’. (Mt 3:15) Baptismal grace is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins (for those above the age of reason), birth into the new life by which one becomes an adoptive child of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ. (see: Catechism of the Catholic Church #1279)

The practice of Infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church. There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic preaching, when whole “households” received baptism, infants would also have been baptized. (Acts :16:15, 33; 18:18; 1 Cor 1:16)

Requirements
Presenting a child for baptism is a powerful manifestation of Jesus’ words, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you…” (John 15:16). During the rite, the parents are asked if they intend to bring their child up according to the Catholic faith, and the godparents are asked if they will assist the parents in this mission. This must be the firm intent of the adults who are presenting the child for baptism if the child is to “bear fruit that will remain” (John 15:16). You must be our parishioner for your child to be baptized here or have a letter granting permission from your home parish.  In choosing godparents it should be noted that a godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has received all three sacraments of initiation.  In addition a baptized Christian may be chosen as a Christian Witness.  


Preparation
Our baptism class generally takes 60 minutes, includes catechesis of the sacrament, and allows for a walk through of the rite.

When can my child be baptized? 
Because baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ, “we are members of one another” (Eph. 4:25). Baptism thus incorporates us into the Church. Consequently, baptisms are held during the Sunday Eucharist approximately every two months. Once the baptism class has been completed, one can schedule their child’s baptism for almost any of our Masses.  The preparation class is required every 4 years.

You must be our parishioner to have your child baptized here 
or have a letter granting permission from your home parish.
All Catholic faculty, Staff and Students of University of Oregon
belong to the parish by Church law.

Infant Baptism Registration

Catechism of the Catholic Church - Baptism
Adults seeking baptism 
should visit our Becoming Catholic page.