Baptism

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being
 born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

* Baptism of Infants or Children (below the age of 7 years old):
We at Nativity congratulate you! God has blessed you with a child. We wish you every joy and happiness in the years to come with the beautiful child that is God’s gift to you. Now, you are presenting that child for baptism in the Catholic Church. Please follow the instructions below.

* For information on the Baptism of Adults or children 7 years or older - please CLICK HERE.

* Looking for a copy of your Baptismal Certificate - please CLICK HERE.
What You Need to Know Before You Have Your Child Baptized:
1) Parents must contact Keysha, Baptism Coordinator or Deacon Joe Allison, Director of Faith Formation-RE in the Faith Formation office at (813) 689-9101 to begin registration.

2) Submit a copy of the child's Birth Certificate.
 
3) Select Godparents [see eligibility requirements below] and have them complete:
 
4) Participate in a Baptism preparation class along with your Godparents. Our Baptism class can be taken in person on the first Monday of the month starting in September. For more information, please contact the Faith Formation office by calling 813-689-9101.
Important note: If godparents are members of another Parish, they may take a class offered at their Church. In this case, a letter or certificate certifying completion of the class must be presented, in addition to a certificate of eligibility for sponsorship.

Church Registration and Attendance - The Eucharist is the heart of our Catholic faith, and coming to Mass regularly is an important sign that you are ready to accept the responsibility to raise your child in the practice of our faith.

When do Baptisms occur at Nativity?
Families celebrate English baptisms on designated Sundays beginning with the 10:30 am Mass. Spanish-speaking baptisms are celebrated on designated Saturdays beginning at the 4:00 pm Mass. All baptisms are celebrated as a group and will be scheduled after completing the necessary steps. Los bautismos de habla hispana se celebran los sábados designados a partir de la misa de las 4:00 pm. Todos los bautismos se celebran en grupo y se programarán después de completar los pasos necesarios.

  • Baptism Day Preparations

    The gift of faith is one of the most important gifts that you can give your child. We celebrate with you on this very special day. May your family be richly blessed.


    We would like to provide you with some practical considerations for the day of Baptism, so that it becomes a day both joyous and holy for everyone:

    • We ask that you please be on time.  Baptisms are celebrated with several other children and families.  If a family is late, they impact on all other families on the baptism day.
    • At our Chapel, our Host or Hostess will review seating arrangements with you.
    • Only the child to be baptized, the parents and godparents should come forward to the baptismal font.  All extended family should remain seated.
    • Photography: the Priest or Deacon will be happy to pose for photos after the baptismal liturgy. Photography and videography will detract from the sacred atmosphere of the Sacrament, and is not permitted during the Baptismal Service.
    • God is present.  Kindly remember that this celebration takes place in the house of God.  Help us celebrate this Sacrament with dignity and decorum by observing quiet reverence before, during and after the ceremony.

  • Godparent Requirements

    Before baptism, one of the most important issues is the choice of godparents for your child. Expectations of godparents vary from one family to the next. When you choose your child’s godparents, talk with them, about what your mutual expectations are.


    The Catholic Church requires the following of godparents:

    • You (the parent) must designate them, and they must be willing to help your child lead a Christian life in harmony with the Catholic faith. (Please note preparation guidelines for Godparents.)
    • They must be at least sixteen years of age.
    • They must be Catholics who are baptized and confirmed and have received their first communion.
    • They must lead a life “in harmony with the faith.”
    • They must be registered in a Catholic church and actively participate to receive permission from their pastor.
    • They must be single or in a recognized Catholic marriage.
    • They must be someone other than the child’s parents.
    • You may have one or two godparents. If you choose two, one must be male and the other female. You must have at least one Catholic Godparent (fulfills all the requirements above). In addition, a Baptized person who is actively practicing the Christian faith may be a sponsor in the role “as Christian Witness;” but only in company with a practicing Catholic.

    Baptismal Symbols

    Water

    We are washed clean of sin.

    Oil

    We are anointed priest, prophet & king.

    Light

    We receive the light of Christ and are called to share this light with others.

    White Garment

    We are clothed in white as a sign of Christ's victory over death.
    • Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
    • Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
    • Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
    • White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.
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