The Sacrament of Baptism

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    Congratulations on receiving a child into your life! The Catholic Church shares in your joy as you bring forth the child to the Sacrament of Baptism. Here at St. Odilia, we look forward to partnering with you toward a meaningful preparation and inspiring celebration.
     
    All ages are welcome for baptism. The formation for the sacrament and process varies by the age of the person to be baptized. Age 7+ enters the RCIC process. Age 18+ enters the RCIA process. Both RCIC and OCIA involve a cycle of lessons which happens over the academic year.
     
    There are several steps in the process of having your child(ren) baptized:
     
    To begin the process, fill out the Baptism Registration Form. This information will give us a snapshot of your family and how we can best serve you. The Baptism Coordinator will contact you to go through the rest of the process.

Baptism Preparation Class

  • We require the class for parents/guardians, and we offer it once a month on Saturday morning from 10:00 am until noon. We offer one in English and one in Spanish. Enter Door 2 (main school entrance), and an assistant will direct you to the class.
     
     
    At this class, we will review the theology of the Sacrament of Baptism, look deeper at the Rite of Baptism, and the sacramentals celebrated. We explain the celebration options, discuss the role of parents, godparents, and the church community. Lastly, we clarify the forms and fees we need from you.
     
    If you have attended a class within the last three years at St. Odilia and are an active parishioner, you do not have to repeat the class but are most welcome to attend.
     
    Godparents are not required to attend, but we warmly invite them to join us.
     
    The class can be taken before or after the child is born.
     
    RSVP for the class by indicating on the Baptism Registration Form.
     
    Español: Sandy Cortez llama a 651-415-3365 o manda un correo electronico aquí. 

Baptismal Celebration Options

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    Baptism Celebrated in the English Language
     
    Baptisms are typically celebrated two Sundays per month at 3:00 PM. This service is outside of Mass and lasts about one hour. We limit each celebration to up to four or five families.  Review our Coming together safely for more information.
     
    2023 dates: June 25, July 23, Aug 27, Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 12
     
    Baptism During Mass
    If you are a registered member of St. Odilia, you are welcome to celebrate Baptism during a liturgy. These Baptisms take place one weekend per month, during our Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am, and 11:00am.
     
    2023 dates:  June 17/18, July 29/30, Aug 19/20, Oct 7/8, Nov 18/19
     

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Schedule for Baptism Preparation Classes

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    Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    2023 dates:

    July 1, Sept 2, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2

     
    For children ages 2 to 6, a Parent/Child orientation session is required to help the child prepare well for their baptism.  Parents can schedule this for their child after attending the Baptism Preparation Class with Gizella Miko, 651-415-3343 or click here to email her.
     

Godparents

  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "...the godfather and godmother... must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the road of Christian life" (#1255). The Church is saying that being a godparent is truly a ministry in the Church and not simply an honor.

    The essential question to consider when choosing godparents is:  Who can best help us raise this child in faith?
     
    Please use the following criteria when choosing a godparent:
     
    • Only one godparent is required, but you can name two – a godmother and a godfather; one male and one female. Canon Law
    • A godparent must be 16 years of age or older, a confirmed, practicing member of the Catholic Church. 
    • The church allows for a Christian Witness, a baptized Christian (non-Catholic), to serve as a witness at the ceremony in addition to the named Catholic godparent.
    • If you need a godparent, we will be happy to help find a godparent within our faith community for your child.
    • You can name a proxy godparent if a godparent cannot attend the baptism ceremony. The name of the proxy is noted in the baptismal record.  
    • The role of the godparent is to support the parents' mission in raising the child in the Catholic faith. You will want to look for prayerful disciples to best support you and your child.

Contact for More Information

  • For more information about Baptism,
    email Alexander Hall at hall@stodilia.org or call 651-415-3329.
     
    For Spanish Baptism Information,
    email Sandy Cortez at cortez@stodilia.org or call 651-415-3365.