The Catholic Church believes and teaches that Baptism is a sacrament, recognition of the life of Christ in the infant and a welcoming into this Christian faith and community. As a sacrament, it brings with it responsibilities and commitments to share the gift of faith. For an infant, that faith and commitment must come from the parents and sponsors.

The sacrament reflects the need for parents to publicly commit themselves to sustaining and nourishing the child's faith. It is this public decision of the parents, supported and modeled by the Godparents, following study and reflection that is celebrated.

Requirements for Sacrament of Baptism:

• The parent of the child must be a registered parishioner six months prior to date of Baptism or live within the Holy Trinity parish boundary zip codes: 75204, 05, 07, 09, 19, 35. If you are not registered but live within the boundaries you must provide a proof of residency (i.e. a bill).
  • Persons who grew up in Holy Trinity Parish but have married and moved away are expected to celebrate the baptism of their children in the Catholic Church where they are presently members.
• At least one parent must be a practicing and active Catholic who will rear the infant as a Catholic Christian. Parents who are not practicing their faith have no right to make commitments for their infants unless they are willing to make a serious decision to renew the practice of their faith at this time.
• Parents must submit a copy of the child's birth certificate.
• Catholic parents and Godparent(s) for the child must attend the Baptism preparation program before their child's baptism unless they have attended the program in the past two years at Holy Trinity. They will be automatically signed up for the class of the month the baptism will be held at unless they indicate otherwise.
  • The Preparation Program gives parents and Godparents an opportunity to reflect on their own faith, to learn more about the meaning of the sacrament of Baptism, and to be made aware of the responsibilities of being Catholic parents or sponsors at baptism.
• There is a $50 fee per child (cash and check only)

Godparents:
A Godparent is a person who will assist or take the place of the parents (in case of disability or death) in bringing the newly baptized up in the Catholic faith. Every newly baptized must have a least one Godparent but no more than two. 

According to Canon Law:

• A person may only have one or two godparents (also called sponsors); if two are chosen, they must be male and female.
• In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must be chosen by the parents;
  • Have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role
  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received First Communion, is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including Sacramental Marriage, if applicable)
  • Will be a good role model for the one being baptized (be neither the father nor the mother of the child.)

Note: A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness (Code of Canon Law, cc. 872-874; Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255).


When:

• English Baptisms are celebrated communally the second Sunday of every month at 2:30 pm.
• Spanish Baptisms are celebrated communally on the third Sunday of the month after the 1:00 pm Mass.

Note: If you are only attending a pre-baptism class or doing so before the month of your scheduled baptism please call at least a week before the course to check for availability. Due to room capacity regulations we are unable to guarantee an opening on short notice.

For additional information contact the office at 214-526-8555, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.