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ehechtststephenslife.comSacramental Preparation - Marriage & Infant Baptism
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Baptism is the first sacrament a Christian receives.
It is one of the Sacraments of Initiation.
"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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.'" ~ CCC1213
PREPARATION for BAPTISM
Infant baptism is for children birth through age 6.
Please contact Ellen G. Hecht at (253) 480-7106 or [email protected] after reading the Preparation for Infant Baptism information below. (Ellen on a personal leave of absence. During this time, Sera Singh will be able to assist you. Use the same contact information.)
Christian Initiation for Children and Teens is for children/teens who are not yet baptized and are 6 years old or older. See Baptism for Children under Childrens' Faith Formation. (Click HERE.) Contact the Faith Formation Office at (253) 631-6175 or [email protected]
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is for those who are 18 years or older who desire to become Catholic. See RCIA under Adult Faith Formation.
Please contact Anne Merklin at (253) 480-7108 or [email protected]
Welcome to Preparation for Infant Baptism at St. Stephen the Martyr parish!- To have your child baptized at St. Stephen the Martyr parish, please make sure your family is registered. If you are not registered please do so by completing a registration form at the parish office or see Joining our Community at: https://www.ststephenslife.com/joining-our-community-1.
- If you're already registered, please use this link to update your family registration: Register Children - St. Stephen the Martyr Church, Archdiocese of Seattle - Renton, WA (ststephenslife.com)
- Please contact the office at least three months prior to the desired month of Baptism. It is encouraged to take the preparation class before your child is born.
- You do not need to be registered parishioners at St. Stephen the Martyr to attend a class.
Baptism preparation classes for parents and godparents:
See below for our next scheduled Baptism class times:- Preparation classes are required for parents and sponsors (godparents).
- Baptism Prep Class RSVP is required:
- Only parents, the baby, and two godparents may attend.
- If you cannot attend this class, you may attend the next class.
- Godparents may take a preparation class at their home parish and have a certificate of completion sent to Infant Baptism at St. Stephen the Martyr.
- Baptisms will be scheduled after all preparation is complete.
- Infant Baptisms are celebrated on predetermined dates and during regularly scheduled Mass times.
- Infant baptisms are not celebrated during Advent, Lent, and Easter.
Required Forms and Certificates:
Parents are responsible for providing all required certificates and completed forms. Forms are available at the class or on the Baptism Prep Class RSVP form.- Baptism Information Form -- one per child
- Godparent Eligibility Form -- one per Godparent
- Copy of child's birth certificate issued by the State
- Proof of Catholic Confirmation for Godparent(s)
Regarding sponsors (godparents):- A Baptismal candidate needs at least one Godparent (Sponsor) who has received the Catholic Sacrament of Confirmation; proof of Confirmation is required.
- There may be two Godparents (one male and one female), one must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, both must be Baptized Christians, and living a life consistent with Catholic teaching.
- Godparents must be at least 16 years old.
- All Godparents must be active in their churches.
- A maximum of two Godparents (one male and one female) are recorded in the parish Baptism record and on the Baptism certificate.
- Here is a video with more information on the role and responsibility of a godparent: Belonging： Baptism in the Family of God Role of Godparents - YouTube
The next infant Baptism preparation classes:- Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:00am - 1:00pm
- Saturday, January 3, 2026, 9:00am - 1:00pm
- Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:00am - 1:00pm
- Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00am - 1:00pm
- Saturday, July 11, 2026, 9:00am - 1:00pm
If these dates do not work for your schedule, please contact Micie Delosreyes at St. Anthony Parish for their upcoming Baptism class dates: [email protected]
RSVP FOR THE NEXT BAPTISM PREP CLASS
One class session at SSTM is required to fulfill your obligation.
Donations are welcome.
For more information contact: the Faith Formation Office at (253) 631-6175.
For Baptism Certificates for other Sacraments or to enroll in a Catholic School :
If you require a certificate of Baptism so you or your child can continue in Sacramental preparation (First Sacraments, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders) or so your child can enroll in a Catholic school, please click here - To have your child baptized at St. Stephen the Martyr parish, please make sure your family is registered. If you are not registered please do so by completing a registration form at the parish office or see Joining our Community at: https://www.ststephenslife.com/joining-our-community-1.