The Sacrament of Baptism involves the baptismal candidate being submersed in water, immersed in water, or having water poured over his or her head while the Trinitarian Formula is said (e.g. “I Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”).  It is one of the three sacraments that can be received only once in a Catholic's life. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship, during which we are welcomed into God’s Church.

Most baptisms of infants or children take place before, during, or after, a weekend Mass.  Masses are Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  They are preceded by a Baptismal class in which both parents of the child being baptized are instructed in the process.  Godparents are welcome, but not required to attend the class.  Here at St. Clare, baptismal preparation classes are held at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (prior to Baptism) in the parish offices Whittier Room.  Please note that to attend a Baptismal preparation class you must register beforehand.

You do not need to be a member of our parish to have your infant/child baptized at our church.  However, if you are not a St. Clare Parishioner, you will need to present a letter of permission from the church in which you reside to have your child’s baptism at St. Clare.  You will be required to attend a pre-baptismal class prior to the baptism.  The class may be taken at St. Clare or at your own parish prior to the baptism.

Baptisms are recorded in St. Clare’s permanent records, and Baptismal Certificates are mailed to families following baptisms. To register for infant Baptism or for a child older than age seven (7) or for an adult, contact Fr. Andrew at (313) 647-5030.