What is it?
Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ. 1275 CCC
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Mt 28:19-20). 1276 CCC
Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism. 1277 CCC
The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 1278 CCC
The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ. 1279 CCC
Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign, the character, which consecrates the baptized person for Christian worship. Because of the character Baptism cannot be repeated (cf. DS 1609 and DS 1624). 1280 CCC
Those who die for the faith, those who are catechumens, and all those who, without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, can be saved even if they have not been baptized (cf. LG 16). 1281 CCC
Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom. 1282 CCC
With respect to children who have died without Baptism, the liturgy of the Church invites us to trust in God's mercy and to pray for their salvation. 1283 CCC
In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pours water on the candidate's head while saying: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." 1284 CCC
What do I do to receive this Sacrament?
Thank you for making the decision to have your child baptized! St. Dominic Catholic Church wants you, your child, and your family to know and feel that first and foremost, you belong here. By virtue of the sacrament of Baptism, your family becomes a part of the greater family of God. This transformative sacrament gives new life to every person who is baptized and in turn, each new baptism breathes new life in our church.
Baptism classes are required for both parents and if applicable, godparents. If your chosen Godparents are living outside of our Diocese, they need to contact their parish to take the class. Baptism classes are held several times a month. These classes are geared towards adults. St. Dominic is unable to provide childcare at this time, so please make the appropriate arrangements for childcare. If you cannot obtain appropriate child care and need to bring your children to the classes, contact our Baptism Program Coordinator, Bonnie Valcik at: 719-392-7653 x1006, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Upon completion of the Baptism Class, you will be given a certificate of completion. These certificates are valid for two years in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. The office will need a copy of this certificate to complete your Baptism registration. Once the office has received all the necessary paperwork for the Baptism, then the Baptism coordinator and you can sit down to look at potential dates for the Baptism to occur.
Face to Face Baptismal Classes in English are held the second and fourth Mondays of each month
Face to Face Baptismal Classes in Spanish are held on the first Mondays of each month
To register for these classes, you must call the parish office at 719-392-7653. Parent and Godparent names, phone numbers and other contact information will be requested, so that if the class is canceled, you can be contacted. There is a maximum of 20 people per class.
IF YOUR CHILD IS 7 YeaRS of age AND OLDER AND IS IN NEED OF BAPTISM
Contact our Baptism Program Coordinator, Bonnie Valcik at: 719-392-7653 x 1006, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information about our year-long program designed for unbaptized children ages 7-15 years of age who wish to enter the Catholic Church. Children will be fully initiated into the Catholic Church upon successful completion of the class during the Easter Vigil Mass. Please see Religious Education Calendars and announcements for class dates and times.
IF YOUR CHILD IS 7 YRS AND OLDER AND HAS BEEN BAPTIZED
Go to our Religious Education page for information on enrollment in classes.
Baptism Checklist
Child’s name
Completed Intake Forms
- Parents:
- Parish in which registered
- Baptismal Class Certificate (both parents)
Godparents:
- 1 male and 1 female, or 1 male proxy and 1 female proxy if needed
- Baptismal Class Certificate (each godparent)
- Baptismal Certificate, and if possible, certificates for each Sacrament received (each godparent)
- Catholic Marriage or single
- Letter of good standing and permission from godparent’s parish priest if not a member of St. Dominic’s parish
Christian Witness (only one permitted, and must be paired with a Catholic Godparent)
Preferred Baptism Date (Baptisms are held after Saturday 5:00 PM Mass, Sunday 10:00 AM Mass, or the Sunday 12:30 Hispanic Mass)
- 1st choice
- 2nd choice
- 3rd choice
****IMPORTANT****
All paperwork must be completed and turned into the office before a confirmed date can be given for the Sacrament.
For more information, contact St. Dominic’s Sacramental Recorder, Bonnie Valcik 719-392-7653 x 1006 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
