Baptism
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Baptism: the Gateway to all other Sacraments
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Baptism, the first sacrament, is the basis of Christian life. Cleansed and freed from sin,
all those baptized become members of the Church's body and enter into a new life in Christ.
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Baptism Programs
The Cathedral of Christ the Light offers 2 programs for those seeking to enter the Catholic Church: Infant Baptism and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Infant Baptism (For children up to seven years of age only)
Infant baptisms take place on the SECOND SATURDAY of the month during the 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass. To start the process, parents must schedule a 30-minute parent interview with Adrian Fulay, the Infant Baptism Coordinator at (510) 496-7210 or AMFulay@oakdiocese.org.
Parents are invited to be active, registered parishioners of The Cathedral of Christ the Light. If they are not parishioners of the Cathedral, they need a letter from their Pastor giving them permission to baptize their child here. Generally, we do not celebrate “private baptisms,” but they may be celebrated on a case by case basis with the approval of the Cathedral Rector only. There are no baptisms during the Lenten and Advent seasons.
For youth and children 7-17 years: Register for Faith Formation classes by calling Adrian Mison Fulay, Director of Faith Formation, at 510-496-7210.
For adults: Attend RCIA by contacting Deacon Tim Roberto at TRoberto@oakdiocese.org
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Baptisms take place on the Second Saturday of the Month at the 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass.
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Baptism Preparation Classes
The Church requires Parents and Godparents to attend preparation classes so that they are well-prepared for this first sacramental encounter and celebration with their child. To sign up for Baptism class and Baptisms please fill out an application at least one month before the date of your child's baptism.
If you live locally but have been asked to serve as a Godparent for a baptism taking place elsewhere, you can attend your Baptism Preparation Class here at the Cathedral! For more information, please contact:- Fr. Javier Diaz, SJ (Spanish): call (510) 496-7208 or email fdiaz@oakdiocese.org
- Deacon Tim Roberto (English): call (510) 598-9408 or email troberto@oakdiocese.org
Baptismal classes take place on the 4th Saturday of the month (in English) at 9 a.m. and the 4th Sunday of the month (in Spanish) at 4:30 p.m.
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Qualifications
Child’s Qualifications: 6 years old or younger who has not been previously baptized
Parent’s Qualifications: At least one parent must be a baptized Roman Catholic
Godparent’s Qualifications: Being a godparent is truly a ministry in the Church and not simply an honor. They must commit to serve as lifetime spiritual mentors to their godchild, nurturing his/her Catholic faith and practice through their own regular attendance at Mass and active participation in parish life.
A child must have at least one godparent but may have up to two godparents (godfather and godmother) that meet the following:
- Over 16 years of age
- baptized Roman Catholic and have received their First Communion and Confirmation
- If married, the prospective godparent must be in a marriage recognized as valid by the Church.
You may desire to have additional witnesses, but only the parents’ and two godparents' names will appear on your child's baptism certificate.
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