Baptism at Saint Anne Catholic Church
Welcome to the Sacrament of Baptism
Congratulations on your decision to have your child baptized in the Catholic Church! Baptism is the first and most important sacrament of Christian initiation. Through Baptism, we are freed from Original Sin, become adopted sons and daughters of God, are united with Jesus Christ, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and become members of His Church.
For infants and young children (under the age of seven), parents or legal guardians present the child for Baptism and promise to raise him or her in the Catholic faith. The Church asks parents and godparents to embrace this responsibility with sincerity so that the child may grow to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ throughout life.
“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.”
Matthew 28:19
Celebrating Baptism at Saint Anne
Because Baptism is the sacrament through which we become members of Christ’s Body, the Church, Saint Anne normally celebrates Baptisms during one of our Sunday Masses. Celebrating Baptism within the Eucharistic community allows the parish family to welcome its newest members and reminds us that we all share the responsibility of helping them grow in the faith.
In special pastoral circumstances, Baptism may be celebrated outside of Mass at the discretion of the pastor.
How to Begin the Baptism Process
The first step is to contact one of our Baptism Preparation Coordinators to register for the required Baptism Preparation Class.
English
Deacon Ray Moore
📞 (803) 627-1517
Spanish
Gerardo Arroyo
📞 (803) 412-1859
Baptism Preparation Classes are held on the first Thursday of every month.
Please note: A Baptism date cannot be scheduled until the parents have completed the Baptism Preparation Class.
Parish Registration
Parents should be registered members of Saint Anne Parish before scheduling a Baptism.
If you are not yet registered, you may complete a Parish Registration Form through the Parish Office or on our website.
If you belong to another Catholic parish but wish to celebrate your child’s Baptism at Saint Anne, please let us know the reason you would like to celebrate the Baptism here. Depending on the circumstances, a letter of permission from your home parish may be requested.
Required Documents
After completing the Baptism Preparation Class, please submit the following to the Parish Office:
- Baptism Registration Form
- Baptism Celebration Form
- Copy of the child’s Birth Certificate
- Godparent Form (if applicable)
- Letter(s) of Good Standing for the Godparent(s) (if applicable)
Once all documents have been received and the Baptism Preparation Class has been completed, the Parish Office will contact you to finalize the Baptism date.
Godparent Requirements
The role of a godparent is an important spiritual responsibility. Godparents are chosen not simply to honor a relative or friend, but to assist parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith and to serve as lifelong examples of Christian living.
According to the Code of Canon Law, a godparent must:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Be a baptized and confirmed Catholic who has also received First Holy Communion.
- Be a practicing Catholic who regularly participates in the sacramental life of the Church.
- Live a life consistent with the Catholic faith and the responsibilities of a godparent.
- If married, be validly married according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
- Not be the child’s father or mother.
Godparents registered at Saint Anne Parish may have their forms completed through our parish office.
If a godparent belongs to another Catholic parish, he or she must provide either:
- A completed Godparent Form signed and sealed by their pastor, or
- A Letter of Good Standing from their parish.
If required by their parish, they should also complete any godparent preparation required by that parish.
How Many Godparents May I Have?
The Catholic Church permits:
- One Catholic godparent, or
- Two Catholic godparents, provided one is male and one is female.
It is not permitted to have:
- Two male godparents
- Two female godparents
- More than two godparents
A baptized Christian from another Christian denomination may serve as a Christian Witness, provided there is also at least one qualified Catholic godparent.
What If the Parents Are Not Married?
The Catholic Church desires that every child receive the grace of Baptism whenever there is a well-founded hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith (Canon 868).
Parents who are not married, whose marriage has not yet been recognized by the Catholic Church, or who find themselves in other unique family situations are encouraged to speak with us. Every family is welcomed with respect, compassion, and pastoral care.
The Church will evaluate each situation individually while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Catholic faith and seeking the spiritual good of the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose family members as godparents?
Yes, provided they meet all of the Church’s requirements to serve as godparents.
Can someone who is not Catholic be a godparent?
No. A baptized Christian who is not Catholic may serve only as a Christian Witness, and only alongside one qualified Catholic godparent.
Can my child have only one godparent?
Yes. One qualified Catholic godparent is sufficient.
Can I choose two women or two men as godparents?
No. If two godparents are chosen, Church law requires that there be one male and one female.
Can Baptism be delayed until all paperwork is complete?
Yes. All required forms, documentation, and completion of the Baptism Preparation Class must be received before a Baptism date can be confirmed.
Our Commitment to Families
At Saint Anne Catholic Church, we recognize that every family’s circumstances are unique. Our goal is to accompany parents with Christian charity while faithfully following the teachings and laws of the Catholic Church.
We are committed to helping families prepare spiritually for this beautiful sacrament and to welcoming each newly baptized child into our parish family with love and joy.
Contact Information
Saint Anne Catholic Church
1694 Bird Street
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Parish Office
📞 (803) 329-2662
✉️ secretary@charlestondiocese.org
Baptism Preparation
English
Deacon Ray Moore
📞 (803) 627-1517
Spanish
Gerardo Arroyo
📞 (803) 412-1859
We look forward to walking with your family as you prepare to celebrate this joyful sacrament. May God bless you and your child as you begin this lifelong journey of faith in Christ and His Church.