View our FAQ to help answer some of the most common questions we get concerning baptism. To register your child to be baptized, complete the Baptism Registration Form (Spanish Version). For more information, contact the Office of Faith Formation, Baptism Ministry at (949) 496-6011.

What is expected of the parents for baptism of a child?
The Catholic Church baptizes children based on the faith of the parents. The expressions of faith that can be measured are that the parents of the child to be baptized are married in Catholic marriage and that they attend Mass and contribute to the parish community on a regular basis. We hope that the child's home is a place of prayer and the parents actively share their catholic values with the child.


 

What is required of the godparents?
The Roman Catholic Church requires that godparents for baptism be fully initiated Roman Catholics (have received baptism, confirmation and communion), are active in their faith (regular attendance at Sunday Mass), and if married are married in the Catholic Church (Canon 874.1, 3º, 4º). The Roman Catholic Church only requires one godparent (Canon 873). A person baptized in another Christian tradition may act as a Christian witness to baptism as long as he or she is accompanied by an active Catholic (Canon 874.2). Also, a godparent is called to be a spiritual guide to their godchild. Godparents are encouraged to participate in the child's preparation for First Communion and to be the sponsor for Confirmation.


 

When does St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church celebrate the sacrament of Baptism?
Baptisms are on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m. The liturgy is not a mass. The length is about one hour. We attempt to limit the number of families to approximately 10. Families should plan to arrive for the baptism at 1:45 p.m. There will be 2 reserved pews for each family, which will be marked at the end of the pew. If you like to know which priest will be presiding that particular Sunday, you may check the mass schedule on the parish website.


 

Can I have a "private" baptism?
Technically, there is no such thing as a "private" baptism. Baptism by its very nature is a public witness of faith in Jesus Christ and incorporation into the life of the Church. Because of this, baptisms are only celebrated during regularly scheduled parish times. However, on occasion, we do arrange for a time other than our regular baptismal dates because of special family circumstances. Permission from the pastor is required before an exception can be made.


 

What if I have a clerical family member who we'd like to invite to perform the baptism?
Once you have completed the registration form, please notify the Faith Formation office of your intentions.  You must arrange with the Parish Secretary a time that is available at St. Edward the Confessor. If yuur officient is not a priest or deacon with the Diocese of Orange, he must provide a letter from his local bishop or religious superior stating that he is a priest or deacon in good standing.


 

How do I register my child to be baptized?
Complete the Baptism Registration Form (Spanish Version). Please fill in the names of the child, the parents, the birth date and the birthplace exactly is it is on the child's birth certificate. Upon completion and submission, you will be contacted by the Baptism Coordinator for the next available date.