Dear Fathers and Mothers,
 
The following are some of the frequently asked questions about baptisms at our parish.
 
(1)  How long do I wait to have my child baptized?
 It is best to have the child baptized sooner rather than later. The Church recommends baptism of infants in the first few weeks following birth. 
 
(2)  How do I set a date for the baptism?
You can request a date for the baptism on any day of your preference but the date cannot be confirmed until all documents have been received and preparation requirements have been completed.
 
(3)  Is there a baptismal preparation class?
Yes.  Parents and godparents are required to attend a pre-baptismal class. Contact the parish office to register. You may wish to complete the pre-baptismal class before the birth of your child, so that the child can be baptized at the earliest opportunity.
 
(4)  Do I need to be a registered member of the parish to have my child baptized?
Registration as a member of the parish is not required, but strongly recommended. The registration process is simple; please contact the parish office for information. If you are not a registered member of our parish, we will need a permission letter from your parish to celebrate the baptism at Saint Paul of the Cross Church.
 
(5)  What do I need to consider when choosing a godparent?
It is important to first pray and ask God who the most suitable godparent would be. The criteria should be based on who would be most suitable in helping the faith of your child, not who is personally close to you. At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic that meets all the following qualifications:

• Must be baptized and confirmed.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Cannot be the parent of the person being baptized.
• Attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation; regularly receives Holy Communion and goes to confession.
• If married, must be married in the Catholic Church.  
• If single and in a relationship, must not be cohabitating.

It is customary for children to have two godparents (one male and one female). As noted above, only one Catholic godparent is required. 
 
(6)  What documents do I need to provide to the office?  What is the fee?

• Copy of the birth certificate of the child (from the hospital or State)
• Testimonial letters from godparents (found in the following page of this packet)
• The suggested donation is $100 but financial difficulty will never be a reason that you will be denied a sacrament so let us know if you need assistance.

(7)  What if I have already attended a baptismal preparation class before?
If you have attended a baptismal preparation class within the last three years, you do not need to attend the class again. Please provide us a certificate/letter of attendance.
 
If you have any questions, please call our office (562) 921-2914.