The Cathedral of Christ the Light -

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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 sons (and daughters) of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission..." —Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1213)

For the grace of baptism to unfold in an amazing way, the parents and godparents must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized on the road of Christian life and mission.
- Baptism is the initial sacrament. Cleansed and freed from sin, all those baptized become members of the Church's body and enter into a new life in Christ.
  
  The Cathedral of Christ the Light baptizes children from parents who are active and registered parishioners, who are attending weekly Sunday Mass, and are actively engaged in the missionary life of the Cathedral community.
  
  If you belong to another parish within the Diocese of Oakland, we invite you to ask your parish priest if he will baptize your child at the Cathedral.
- The Baptism Journey
  Journeying together as a faith community is so important to us! We want to first help you to comfortably live the Catholic Faith in the context of our Cathedral Community, where we will unceasingly pray together, experience Christ's love together, and actively work together to maturely discern the responsibilities of raising your child in the practice of our Faith.
  A date for baptism is set after a discernment period in which parents and godparents have exemplified a firm resolve to walk the Christian life with our community and have maturely discerned the obligations of this noble vocation.
  Start this great adventure by introducing yourself to our Rector, Fr. Brandon, or any staff member after Sunday Mass.
  
  Adults (18 and over) prepare for baptism by attending RCIA/formation classes. Start this great adventure by introducing yourself to Deacon Tim Roberto after the Sunday 11:00 AM Mass.
- Qualifications
  Child’s Qualifications: 6 years old or younger who has not been previously baptized. For youth and children 7 to 17 years old, please speak with Fr. Brandon after Mass on Sunday.
  
  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 sacramental marriage recognized as valid by the Church.
  
  You may desire to have additional witnesses, but only the parents' and two godparents' names (male and female) will appear on your child's baptism record.
- Preparation Classes
  If you live locally and have been asked to serve as a godparent for a baptism taking place elsewhere, you can attend Baptism Preparation Class here at the Cathedral! To register please email cathedral@oakdiocese.org.
  
  Classes take place on the third Sunday of the month after the 11:00 am Mass.