Our Lady of Lourdes-Gatesville 

St. Thomas-Hamilton 

First off, congratulations on the birth, or eventual birth, of your child or Godchild!  And if your child is not an infant, praise God for the gift of their life! When you think about it, our minds will never grasp the total miracle and gift children are from God. Our Catholic faith teaches that every human being is created in God’s image and likeness, and those who are baptized have an elevated status as God’s beloved sons and daughters (Romans 8:14-15).

As parents and Godparents, we are called to be good stewards of the gift of children by providing for their spiritual needs, starting with Baptism.  Through baptism, Original Sin is washed away, and people are incorporated into Christ’s Body, the Church.  

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:  “Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.”

Baptism, however, is only the beginning of the journey and it is of paramount importance that the baptized person is nourished with the other sacraments of the Church, especially Eucharist and Reconciliation, so as to grow in holiness. This prepares the person for the sacrament of Confirmation which completes Baptism.  The primary teachers of the baptized are parents and Godparents whose responsibility is to see that their children learn about the faith and practice it regularly.

Every child has a right to Baptism, regardless of circumstances. There are certain guidelines, however, that we need to follow:

For the Child: 

• a child may be baptized up until their 7th birthday, after turning 7 they are required to attend RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) adapted for children, where they will be Baptized, receive First Communion, and be Confirmed.  The program runs from the beginning of September until the Easter Vigil. 

• Both parents and Godparents are required to attend pre-Baptismal preparation classes.  If a parent or Godparent does not live within Our Lady of Lourdes parish, they can attend the class at their local parish and submit their proof of attendance to Our Lady of Lourdes. 
• THE PARENTS MUST LIVE WITHIN THE PARISH BOUNDARIES OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES OR HAVE PERMISSION IN WRITING FROM THEIR PASTOR FOR THE BAPTISM TO TAKE PLACE OUTSIDE THEIR REGULAR PARISH.
• Baptism Preparation Classes are held quarterly, please call the parish office for dates and to register, 254-865-6710. 
• It is expected that parents and Godparents practice their faith regularly so as to deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ and be effective role models for their children/Godchildren.

• Ideally, the parents of the child should be married according to the laws of the Catholic Church. If this is not the case, the child may still be baptized provided that the parents accept their responsibility to assure the faith formation of the child. Where possible, parents  should  be interviewed and invited to  take steps toward getting their marriage convalidated in the Catholic Church.

• As a Baptism godparent/sponsor, your role is to encourage the faith of your candidate and be an "example" to your godchild.
• The Code of Canon Law (Church Law) specifies the requirements for serving as godparent(s) at Baptism (Canon 874):  
  • You may not be the parent of the one being baptized.
  • You must be at least 16 years old
  • You must be fully initiated, received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (First Holy Communion), and Confirmation
  • If married, be in in a valid Catholic marriage (married in the Catholic Church) and live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.
• For Godparents who are not members of Our Lady of Lourdes, they need to have the pastor of the parish where they belong, write a letter stating that they are in good standing with the Church.

• Baptism Information Form (See Document Link below)
• Children - Copy of their Birth Certificate
• Parents - Registered Church Members of Our Lady of Lourdes and a copy of Pre-Baptismal Class certificate
• Godparents - Copy of Catholic Church Marriage Certificate and a copy of Pre-Baptismal Class certificate
•  Catholic Church Members who are not registered members of Our Lady of Lourdes - Permission letter from your Catholic Church to have the baptismal at another Cathlic Church

For more information, please contact the church office 254-865-6710..