Baptism

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe
all that I have commanded you.”

The Sacrament of Baptism

The first of the sacraments of initiation, is our entrance into the Church. Through Baptism, we are cleansed of Original Sin and receive sanctifying grace, the life of God within our souls. That grace prepares us for the reception of the other sacraments and helps us to live our lives as Christians. Baptism is the necessary precondition both for living the Christian life and for entering Heaven.

Baptism is the initiation of the child (infant to 7 years old) into our community and the practice of our faith. Thus, the Sacrament is celebrated after the parents, who are the primary teachers of faith to their child, have reflected on their commitment to live the faith and are doing so and have participated in a preparation process.

Guidelines for obtaining the Sacrament of Baptism for Infants  (newborns—age 7) at Our Lady of Mercy 

We ask you to read it carefully and provide us with all information necessary as you prepare  for the baptism of your child. All information needed is in conformity with the Guidelines for Infant Baptism for the Diocese of Sacramento. 

Choosing Godparents

The role of a godparent is to help you in raising your child in the Catholic faith as representatives of the faith community. We encourage you to choose godparents who will take their role seriously. Your child may have no more than two legal godparents. (Any others should be considered honorary godparents and they will not be a formal part of the ceremony or listed on the baptismal certificate).  

 Canon Law #874 admitted role and requirements to stand as a Godparent in the Catholic church

*For a person to stand as a Godparent or Sponsor, the following requirements must be met: 

• Be designated by the candidate, parents, guardians, or pastor 
• Have the intention of performing the role of sponsor 
• Be at least 16 years old 
• Be a fully initiated Catholic (received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation) 
• Lead a life in harmony with the Faith and role of a sponsor (i.e. be a registered member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and faithful to the laws of the Church regarding marriage)
• Not bound by any canonical penalty (Recognized as a valid marriage in the Catholic Church) 
• Not the father or mother of the candidate
• There is to be only one make sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each 

If you wish to honor a non Catholic member of your family, they may stand as a Christian Witness to your child’s Baptism, provided they have already been baptized.

• Original and sealed certificates of attendance at a Baptism Preparation class within the past two years, for Both parents & Godparents. 

Attend a Baptism Preparation Class, either at Our Lady of Mercy or another parish 

      (if you have taken a baptism class within the past two years, you do not need to take another class. 

English Prep classes are first Tuesdays of the month at 7:00pm in OLM Hall RM 5

Spanish Prep classes are last two Tuesdays of the month at 7:00pm in OLM Hall RM 5 (English) Mr. Gersten
(Spanish) Mr. & Mrs Carrera

Online Baptismal Preparation for Parents and Godparents 
(Offered in English&Spanish): https://www.agapecatholicministries.com/baptism-prep

• Be registered as a Parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy or If you are not a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy -A letter from your parish pastor granting permission for your child to be baptized at Our Lady of Mercy. 

• Child's Original Birth Certificate 
• If Godparents are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church and provide a copy of the Marriage Certificate.

• Both Godparents need to provide a Letter of Verification of Full Communion with the Church from their parish. The letter must be signed by the pastor and stamped with the parish seal. 

Please contact our Parish Office (530) 222-3424 if you have any questions, and may God  bless you and your child.

Formely known as Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) now Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA offers classes for adults and children aged 6 or older into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
 If you are an adult interested in being confirmed in the Catholic faith, then you would enter the church through the

1. Inquiry (Pre-Catechumenate) is a time for asking questions, getting to know the people, the parish, and the Church. Meetings are held year-round and can be joined at any time.
2. Catechumenate is a time for learning about the teachings of the Catholic faith in more detail and depth. Candidates and Catechumens prepare to receive the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
3. Mystagogy: The time period of one year, from Easter to Easter. A time of reflection and service for new Catholics (Neophytes).