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Welcome to God's Family
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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.
Parents must be registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Church to have a baby baptized at St. Gabriel Church.
If you are not a registered parishioner, and would like to join our parish family, welcome!
Become a registered parishioner here.
If you are registered at another parish and would like to have your child baptized at St. Gabriel Church, approval from your pastor is required. Please contact your parish for approval and provide us with a letter from your parish granting permission for the baptism to take place at St. Gabriel Church.
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Infant baptism & baptism class in English
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1. Baptism Class: If this is your first child, it is required by the Catholic Church to attend a Baptism Class, held in English on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00 am in the Chapel.
Please register for the baptism class 6 - 8 weeks in advance of your desired baptism date by emailing Carolyn Tillman. Only one parent is required to attend, but both are welcome. If you have already attended a baptism class for your first child, then the baptism class requirement is met for your family for subsequent children.
2. Select Godparents: At least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic and a registered member of a parish. He or she must provide a letter of good standing (sometimes called a certificate of eligibility) from his or her church, stating that he or she may serve as a godparent.
Please email the letter to Carolyn Tillman. An original letter is not required. If a godparent is a member of St. Gabriel, a letter of good standing is not required.3. Baptism Information Form: Complete the form (below). This form contains all the information we will need to record the baptism in the church records and to prepare the baptism certificate for you and needs to be completed for all children.
Complete Baptism Information Form here
Complete the on-line Baptismal Information Form
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4. Schedule the Baptism: Baptisms are scheduled on Saturday mornings (in English) and Sunday afternoons (in Spanish). Please see the Older Child Baptism section below regarding children 7 years of age and older. Baptisms celebrated by a specific clergy member must be coordinated with that clergy member's schedule. To schedule a baptism, complete the Baptism Information Form below and send an email here to request a baptism date.
5. Stipend for Priest or Deacon: It is customary to thank the priest or deacon by providing a stipend to them at the ceremony. A typical baptism stipend is $25, but may be more if you wish. Checks should be made payable directly to the clergy member who officiates. Thank you.Questions: Contact Carolyn Tillman
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Infant baptism & baptism class in Spanish
Congratulations and blessings on your new baby! Here's what you need to know about baptisms at St. Gabriel:
Approval from your pastor is required to have your child baptized at St Gabriel Catholic Church.
Parents and godparents must attend a baptism preparation class on the fourth Saturday of the month at 10:00 am.
Please register for the baptism class in SPANISH 6 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired baptism date by contacting our parish office at 704-364-5431. In addition, please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate.
Baptisms are scheduled on Sundays at 2:30 pm..
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Godparents
Godparents support the baptized in their Christian walk. At least one godparent must be Catholic, presenting a letter from their home parish stating that they are actively practicing the Catholic faith.
If the other godparent is not Catholic, he/she is considered to be a "Christian witness" and may participate in the baptism. His/her name will not be listed on the baptism certificate, though.
St. Gabriel parishioners who have been asked to be a Godparent at another parish must submit the Certiificate of Eligibility Form. The information needed for this form can be submitted on-line here. Please allow 2 weeks for the Eligibility Form to be sent to the Church.
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Older Child Baptism
Children under the age of 7 can be baptized at the request of parents (please see INFANT BAPTISM tab).
Children over the age of 7 must attend 2 years of Faith Formation classes prior to the baptism.Children must be baptized prior to receiving First Reconciliation and First Communion.
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Adult Baptism
The Catholic Church traditionally recognizes all baptisms performed by other Christian denominations. Unbaptized adults who wish to receive the sacrament of baptism at St. Gabriel Catholic Church should contact Dr. David Glasow, our Director of Evangelization, here.
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