Baptism

CCC 1213: Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons 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.”

Explanation of Baptism from the USCCB

If you have a child that needs to receive the Sacrament of Baptized, then the following actions must be done prior to the planned date of Baptism:

  1. Highly recommended that the parents register as members of St. Joseph Church.
  2. Fill out the Baptism Registration Form on this page (below) or at the church office.
  3. Provide a legal birth certificate for the child.
  4. If your child is over 5 years of age then you must set up an appointment with the parish priest before baptism can be scheduled for your child. You may call the office to set up an appointment (512-446-2049).
  5. Parents and godparents must attend baptism class prior to baptism. If either the parents or godparents have attended a baptism class within the prior 2 years, they will need to provide verification of attendance by providing a certificate or a contact at another church that can make the verification.
  6. You must pre-register before attending baptism class. These classes are scheduled on an as needed basis, usually on Saturdays, beginning at 9:30am. Please contact the parish office to find out when the next available class is scheduled and to sign up (512-446-2049).
  7. Godparent(s) can be a single person or a married couple. They must be at least 16 years old and confirmed. If godparents are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church and must provide a marriage certificate as verification. Each godparent must also complete a Baptism Sponsor Covenant Form.

If you are an adult that has never been baptized and would like to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, then please contact the parish office at 512-446-2049.

Baptism Registration

This form is required to be filled out prior to baptism and before an appointment with the parish priest can be made.

Name of Child(Required)
Child's Date of Birth(Required)
Requested Date of Baptism(Required)
We will make every attempt to meet this date, provided all the necessary requirements have been met and depending on the priest’s schedule.
Current Address(Required)
Email
Please provide an email address if available.
Father's Name(Required)
Father's Religion(Required)
Mother's Maiden Name(Required)
Mother's Religion(Required)
Are the parents married?(Required)
If the answer to the previous question is "YES", In what church were the parent's married?(Required)
Please enter the name and location of the church.
Godfather's Name(Required)
Is the Godfather a practicing Catholic?(Required)
What church does the Godfather attend?(Required)
Please enter the name and location of the church.
Godmother's Name(Required)
Is the Godmother a practicing Catholic?(Required)
What church does the Godmother attend?(Required)
Please enter the name and location of the church.
Will either Godparent be represented by proxy?(Required)
Was the child previously baptized?(Required)
Was the child adopted?(Required)