Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life. It is the gateway to the fullness of life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the Word.
It is recommended that your child’s Baptism be scheduled at least three months in advance of the date you have in mind. Baptisms are held on the 2nd and last Sunday of every month. Parents are required to attend a parish Baptism class prior to scheduling Baptism and godparents are encouraged to attend. If you believe you have attended a Baptism class within the last 2 years at St. James Church, please call the parish office at 707-762-4256 prior to signing up for a Baptism class as you may not have to attend.
To baptize a child over the age of 7 or entering the first grade, please contact our Elementary Religious Education office via email at ere@stjamespetaluma.org.
In the case of adult Baptism, it would involve participation in our RCIA program who may be reached via email at rcia@stjamespetaluma.org.
Upon completion of
Baptism class, you must complete the following items.
1. If you attend Mass at St. James and have not yet registered as parishioners, please do so by clicking the
Join Us
button on the homepage of our website before filling out the Baptismal Registry Form.
2. Fill out the Baptismal Registry Formwith your requested date for the Baptism. Please enter all of the information requested including the full name of your child as documented on their birth certificate. You do not need to include the name of the priest/deacon unless that has been previously set up.
3. Have each Godparent fill out the Godparent Form . Please remember that you only need to have one Godparent and that the maximum number is two (one of each gender). Godparents should meet all of the requirements outlined in the Baptism Preparation class. God parents must have received all three Sacraments on Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation in the Catholic faith and be at least 16 years of age.
4. Please scan or take a photo of your child’s birth certificate and send it to office@stjamespetaluma.org
5. When all forms have been completed and submitted, the office will confirm by email the availability of the date you requested for the Baptism. Baptisms are usually scheduled on the 2nd and last Sunday of each month at noon. Please check with office to verify available dates.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the parish office via phone 707-762-4256 or email office@stjamespetaluma.org