Baptism & Christening 101

Here’s an outline of the process for making the proper arrangements at Old Mission San Juan Baustista in San Juan Baustista, CA.  Again — this is specific to just this specific church — but, is provided as a guide to help educate you as to other practices and requirements that you might want to be aware of or be able to ask your church about.

Baptism (For Registered Parishioners):

• Submit completed “Baptism Inquiry” form.
• Parents must attend pre-baptism class. Date of class will be scheduled upon receipt of completed “Baptism Inquiry” form.
• Godparent(s)* must take pre-baptism class at their local parish, or with parents in San Juan Bautista.
  • Bring Mission San Juan Bautista a letter from their parish indicating that they have completed the class(es). Make sure their name(s) appear in the letter.

       *It is important that Godparents meet the following criteria:
         1. Over 16 years of age
         2. Confirmed and Practicing Catholics
         3. If married, must be married through the Catholic Church  

Download the Godparent Eligibility Certificate for more information.
(you will need Acrobat Reader in order to view this form) 

• Copy of child’s birth certificate.
• $25.00 donation

Baptism (For Non-Parishioners):

• Obtain a “Letter of Permission” from your local parish to baptize your child outside your local parish, and your parish priest also agrees to travel to San Juan Bautista to perform the ceremony.
• Parents must attend pre-baptism class at their local parish.
• Bring Old Mission San Juan Bautista a letter from your parish indicating that you both have completed the class(es). Make sure both of your names are in the letter.
• Godparent(s)* must take pre-baptism class at their local parish, or with parents in San Juan Bautista.
  • Bring Mission San Juan Bautista a letter from their parish indicating that they have completed the class(es). Make sure their name(s) appear in the letter.

       *It is important that Godparents meet the following criteria:
         1. Over 16 years of age
         2. Confirmed and Practicing Catholics
         3. If married, must be married through the Catholic Church   

Download the Godparent Eligibility Certificate for more information.
(you will need Acrobat Reader in order to view this form)

• Copy of child’s birth certificate.
• $25.00 donation

 Mission San Juan Bautista will schedule the baptism for the month following completion of pre-baptism instruction, and receipt of all documentation and the donation. For example, if class is completed and paperwork and donation are received in March, the baptism will be scheduled for sometime in April.

 Pre-Baptism Classes are held on the second Saturday (9 am) of the month in English and the second Tuesday (6 pm) of the month in Spanish by appointment only. Please call the Parish Office (831-623-2127) to register for a pre-baptism class.

original source:
http://www.oldmissionsjb.org/baptism.html