Families prepare together for the baptism of infants and young children (age 6 and below). Parents are encouraged to begin the preparation process even before their child is born.

Baptism celebrations are usually held on scheduled Sundays following the 11:00am Mass. For children who are infants through age 6, at least one parent should be a practicing Catholic and have made Santa Sophia Catholic Church his/ her primary parish community. You can register here.

Children of catechetical age (7 and up) prepare for Baptism through a special preparation process called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (R.C.I.C.). Learn more about R.C.I.C.

You can begin the registration process for the baptism of infants and young children using the registration form below. Once you submit the form, please contact the Catechetical Ministry Office (CMO) to complete the rest of the preparation process, which includes:

1. Meeting with the pastor
2. Completing an online seminar
3. Selecting a suitable godparent(s)
4. Having the godparent(s) complete the same online seminar
5. Having the godparent(s) complete the eligibility form

Please note carefully these requirements from the godparent eligibility certificate:

• Canon law refers to godparents as "sponsors," but below we will use the familiar term "godparent."
• A godparent is someone who will help the baptized person to lead a Christian life, and therefore should be leading a Christian life in keeping with their own baptism.
• There is to be only one male godparent and one female godparent, or one of each.
• A sponsor must:
  • Be designated by his or her parents.
  • Have completed the sixteenth year of age.
  • Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received Holy Communion, and is leading a life of faith in keeping with the role of being a godparent.
  • If married, be married in the Catholic Church.
  • Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
• A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to be a godparent alone, but may be a godparent along with a Catholic godparent as a Christian witness.

CMO Email:
[email protected]

CMO Phone:
619-463-6011

Parents must give prayerful consideration to choosing godparents (also called "sponsors") for their children.

Godparents, together with the child’s parents, publicly profess the Catholic Faith into which the child is baptized. A godparent accepts the responsibility of helping the child grow in the Catholic Faith. A godparent agrees to help the parents teach the child about the Faith and how to live as a practicing Catholic. 

One godparent is required. Two may be chosen. If two are chosen, one must be a man and the other a woman (godfather and/ or godmother). A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve with one Catholic godparent as a Christian witness to the baptism. Learn more

Requirements to be a Godparent

• Must be at least sixteen years of age
• Have already received all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion)
• Attends Mass regularly, and is living in a way that demonstrates that they will be able to fulfill the responsibilities of being a godparent.
• If married, is married in the Catholic Church.

Adults desiring baptism may prepare for this sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (O.C.I.A.).

Learn more about OCIA