"Virtue begins at home, but grows in a community."
Information for Baptism of children under 7 years of age
First Meeting
Parents wishing to baptize their child here at St. Mary Star of the Sea are to first set a time to meet with Fr. James Vasquez. One parent is sufficient for this meeting.
You can arrange for this meeting by e-mailing Fr. James at jvasquez@stmaryss.org or by calling 361-758-2662
To baptize here at St. Mary, Star of the Sea
Those wishing to baptize their child must be registered members here at St. Mary Star of the Sea, or a registered member at their own parish.
If you are a member at another parish, we will have to receive permission from your pastor to baptize your child here.
Sponsors (aka Godparents)
Sponsors (aka, godparents) must be at least 16 years old and have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. If they are married, or living as married, sponsors must be married through the Catholic Church.
To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor, a person must be a Catholic who leads a life of faith in keeping with the role to be taken on.
Baptism Class
The parents and godparents must attend a baptism class. Baptism classes in English are usually held every first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall Meeting Room. Baptism classes in Spanish are arranged with Fr. James.
We will honor a baptism class certificate for up to two years for either parents or sponsors.
Documents
We will need a copy of the birth certificate of the child to be baptized, any required letters and a completed baptism form. (The baptism form is a yellow form provided by the parish). We ask that all documents be turned in to the parish office at least a week before the baptism.
Time and Day of Baptisms
Baptisms are normally held in the Church on Sundays after the 11:30 am mass.