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Baptism Guidelines  

In order to offer the best support for parents in preparing for a child’s Baptism, our parish requires participation in a Baptism preparation process.  This process is designed to help parents and godparents understand the Sacrament of Baptism and to offer them support in helping their child/godchild to fully live the gifts received in Baptism.

Children under the Age of 7

Parents and Godparents must attend a Baptism class
Emmaus holds Baptism classes on the first Monday of the month; one in English and one in Spanish. In order for parents and Godparents to receive the full benefit of the class, we ask that children not accompany parents.  Parents and Godparents may schedule a time to participate in the class by contacting the parish office at (512) 261-8500 or using the email links on the right column.  Parents are highly encouraged to attend a class prior to their child’s birth.  Parents & Godparents may attend Baptismal classes at any Catholic parish. Only when documented by a form, certificate or letter remitted to Emmaus stating who, when and where the class was attended.
Online courses are not accepted.

A child being baptized must have at least one Godparent. To be a Godparent, one must be a Catholic who has received First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation and who lives a life of active faith in the Catholic Church. A person who does not have all sacraments will be considered as a Christian witness. If married, Godparents must be in a valid Catholic marriage.

Parents must submit required paperwork two weeks before requested date. 

• Copy of the child’s birth certificate or Verification Birth Fact from the hospital
• Baptismal Request Form
• Completed Godparent Covenant form(s)
• Proof of Baptismal Preparation Class Attendance for both Parents & Godparents. Proof of Baptismal Class should be within 3 years of the requested baptismal date 
• Non-parishioners – If you live outside Emmaus boundaries, you must submit a letter from your Pastor giving his permission for your child to be baptized at Emmaus. If not registered at any parish, letter of permission from the closest Catholic parish to your home is required
• These documents may be submitted by mail, fax (512) 261-8200, in person, or by email to office@emmausparish.org.

Scheduling the Baptism

Once the completed paperwork has been received in the office, the Baptism will be placed on the parish calendar and you will be contacted to confirm your date.

Baptisms may be scheduled after weekend Masses, if available, with no more than two Baptisms at any one time slot. We do not offer private baptisms. There will be no Baptisms scheduled following the Sunday morning Masses. Saturday Baptisms are usually held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. English Baptisms are at 10 AM and Spanish Baptisms at 11 AM. 

Presider

Either the priest celebrating the Mass or the deacon assisting him presides at Baptisms after Mass. Unless unavailable, deacons will preside for Saturday morning Baptisms.

A guest priest or deacon is welcome.  Those from outside the Austin diocese must submit a testimony of suitability and be delegated by the pastor of Emmaus Catholic Parish.  Those from within the Austin diocese need only a delegation by the Emmaus pastor. These letters must be received before scheduling will occur.

Children 7 & Older

There is a special Baptism preparation program for children age 7 and older.  At the age of 7 (age of reason) and above, the sacrament of Baptism is also accompanied by the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation. 

Children will participate in a series of sacramental preparation classes called RCIA Adapted for Children. The RCIA Adapted for Children series is offered once a year. Please contact Bertha Halfmann to learn more about this program.

1. Children must be currently enrolled in and attending Faith Formation classes.

2. Parents and sponsors participate in the process by attending one special Baptismal class.

3. Parents must submit required paperwork:

• Completed Sacramental Request Form

• Copy of the birth certificate

• Completed godparent/sponsor Covenant form

• Non-parishioners – If you are a parishioner at another parish, you must submit a letter from your pastor giving his permission for your child to be baptized at Emmaus.

• These documents may be submitted by mail, fax (512) 261-8200, in person, or by email to office@emmausparish.org.