Baptism

“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.’” CCC 1213
 
For children under the age of 7
As a parent seeking baptism for your child at Holy Family Old, you must be a registered parishioner, or have approval from your home parish and the pastor of Holy Family.  If you are not a registered parishioner, we would be happy to talk with you about the very simple process for registering.
Preparing to have your child baptized begins with arranging a brief meeting with a priest or deacon to get some basic information and go over what baptism entails.  Prior to the baptism, parents must select at least one godparent, and may select as many as two, provided they are of opposite gender.  A godparent must be at least 16 years of age, have received the sacrament of Confirmation, and be a practicing Catholic.  Both the parents and the godparent(s) must also attend a baptism preparation class prior to the baptism.
 
If you are registered at another parish, we highly recommend you have the baptism at your local parish.  If you still desire Holy Family Old Cathedral as the place of baptism we will talk to you about the requirements for having your child baptized here. Please speak to Deacon Dave for more information at (907) 646-3002.
 
For children between the ages of 7 and 16 
Children between the ages of 7 and 16 who have not been baptized enter the process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children. The process starts in late August or early September, and normally the sacraments of initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil or later.  Early registration for the special class for the rites of initiation begins in May, with final registration in late August.  Please speak with Direector of Religious Education for more information at (907) 646-3007.
 
RCIC child form
 
For those 17 or older
All those 17 years and older who are seeking Baptism or full communion with the Catholic Church enter the process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).  This program, generally running from late August or early September to June, covers the basics of Catholicism from doctrine to practice, including the Creed, sacraments, moral life in Christ, and prayer.  We emphasize the importance of building a long-lasting relationship with our Lord, including through liturgical celebrations. RCIA meets Tuesdays at 7 PM starting in late August or early September. Please speak to Deacon Dave for more information at (907) 646-3002.
 
RCIA adult inquirer form
 
For Emergency Baptism in Danger of Death
In an emergency you may call our office at 276-3455 any hour of the day or night.  If you call after office hours, a phone service will give us the message immediately and you should promptly receive a return phone call.  If there is a delay in responding to your emergency and an unbaptized individual is in danger of death, please remember the following: 
Because of the necessity of baptism, any person can baptize using water,  poured over the head of the person three times, while saying these words: “[Name of person], I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit .”  
At a convenient time after completing the emergency baptism, please call our offices to let us know.
 
Other Questions?
If you have any doubts about whether or not you have been baptized, please call us during our regular business hours at (907) 276-3455.  If you are seeking to enter the Catholic Church, and have never been baptized, or were baptized in another Christian denomination, we would love to talk to you about our faith and how you can become Catholic.