Saint Nicholas and Saint William Parish welcomes you! We are delighted to share in the joy of Baptism for your child/ren. We pray for God's special grace on your entire family with this blessed occasion.

Requesting Baptism for your child expresses your commitment to the Catholic faith. This special and sacred time can be a wonderful source of renewal, offering the opportunity to reflect upon how your participation in your Catholic Community will help to shape your child's faith.

We are so happy you have chosen our parish and invite you to join us here if you have not yet officially registered with us.
 

Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  - Matthew 28:18-19

Preparation

Parishioners come from many diverse backgrounds and the Sacrament of Baptism is a very important one for both the Church and your family. Please plan ahead and allow at least 6-8 weeks for the entire process. Once we receive your Baptismal Request form we will contact you to schedule a time to meet. 

Parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation class. This class is held once a month on a Saturday morning in St Nicholas Hall. Godparents are also required to attend this preparation class. Parents are responsible for notifying the Godparents.

Those who have attended a Baptism preparation class within the past three years have met this requirement and do not need to repeat the class. Those taking the class at a different parish need to provide a certificate of completion.

If you are registered at another Parish, but wish to baptize your child at Saint Nicholas and Saint William Parish, we will need a Letter of Permission from your Pastor in order to baptize your child here.

If you are a parent or Godparent of a child who will be baptized elsewhere, but who needs to complete the Baptism Preparation class, you may do so here and we will provide a letter of completion for you. 

Selecting Godparents

Parents benefit greatly from Godparents who will be a light, like the candle lit at baptism, to inspire and guide their child’s continual spiritual formation in the Catholic faith so they may attain eternal life. As the child matures, it will be important for them to see their spiritual mentor practice Catholic virtues in both word and deed. 

The child must have at least one Godparent who can attest to meeting the sponsor requirements as outlined below and in the Catechism of the Church. According to the Law of the Church (C.873), if there are two Godparents, one must be a man and one a woman. A baptized Christian may act as a witness to the Baptism. 

A Godparent must be:

• at least 16 years old
• a practicing Catholic, as verified by their parish priest
• fully initiated (i.e., having received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion)
• living singly or in marriage; with the marriage witnessed or convalidated in the Catholic Church

Usually the Godparent/s will be asked to join the parents in the preparation sessions here. If the Godparents are not local, they may complete Baptism preparation at their own parish and provide a certificate of completion.

Required Documents

1. Completed Baptismal Request Form
2. Child’s Birth Certificate issued by the County
3. Sponsor Attestation for Godparent/s (signed and sealed by their parish priest for each Godparent)
4. Baptism Prep Certificate of Completion for each parent and Godparent (if completed at a another parish)
5. Letter of Permission from your Pastor if Saint Nicholas and Saint William is not your home parish

Scheduling

A Baptism date is tentative until all requirements have been met and all documents have been received. 

The parish performs Baptisms on Saturdays (except during Lent), or upon request at any Sunday Mass. 
Baptisms are not scheduled during Thanksgiving Weekend or the latter half of December. 

The Ceremony

Baptisms are not only a time of celebration, but more importantly a time of prayer. Photographs are permitted during the ceremony, but moderation is requested out of reverence for the Sacrament.

Offering

The Church appreciates any donation from the parents or Godparents on the occasion of Baptism. Donations are accepted by check payable to Saint Nicholas and Saint William Parish, 473 Lincoln Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94022. Please write “Baptism” and the name of the child/ren on the memo line. Should you wish to make a donation for the presider you may offer it directly to him after the ceremony.

Certificate of Baptism

After the Baptism, the presider will sign and date a ceremonial Baptism Certificate and give it to either a parent or Godparent. Typically, the certificate is available immediately after the ceremony, but occasionally it may need to be mailed.