In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, all parents are required to attend a baptism class which remains valid for three years. At St Anthony of Padua, the preparation for baptism is offered as a two part program. Part 1 is an online, self-led study done at your own pace. Part 2 is an in-person, classroom experience led by one of our parish deacons. Once you have completed Part 1, you may sign up for a classroom formation session.
Below are instructions to complete PART 1 our online baptism preparation.
Please follow the steps below and complete the quiz at the end. We also encourage you to look at the documents below. They will be helpful to you as you prepare to celebrate your child or godchild’s baptism.
Please be aware that we will not accept incomplete quizzes. As we do review all quiz responses, please allow a few business days after completing the Part 1 online class to receive your link to register for Part 2, the in-person class session.
Maybe key events like graduations, places you’ve been, people you’ve met, new jobs, getting married, the birth of a child, etc. Few of us would think to include our birth—though obviously without that crucial moment, nothing else could follow.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Your spiritual birth happens in the Sacrament of Baptism, which is the first sacrament a Christian receives. It is the access point for the other sacraments and for the very kingdom of God.
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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
In this first session we will explore the significance of Baptism, the first of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. The Catechism tells us that “the sacraments confer the grace that they signify” (CCC 1127). This means that Baptism is not just a symbol of cleansing and rebirth; it actually bestows those graces on the one being baptized. This session will walk us through the story of salvation history to show how Baptism was foreshadowed in the Old Testament. New creation, cleansing from sin, a fresh start, freedom from slavery—each of these facets of Baptism are prefigured in events in the Old Testament.
Just as God saved his people Israel from slavery in Egypt by the waters of the Red Sea, God wants to give your child a life of freedom in him through the waters of Baptism. By seeking Baptism for your child, you are God’s instrument leading him or her to freedom and new life, as Moses led the Israelites. It is God who saves, but as a parent choosing Baptism for your child you have a unique and precious role to play, both now and after the Baptism.
Consider the following prayer from the Rite of Baptism:
Almighty God you sent your only Son to rescue us from slavery of sin, and to give us the freedom only your sons and daughters enjoy. We now pray for this child who will have to face the world with its temptations and fight the devil in all his cunning. Your Son died and rose again to save us. By his victory over sin and death, cleanse this child from the stain of original sin. Strengthen him (her) with the grace of Christ and watch over him (her) at every step in life’s journey. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The prayer uses the imagery of the Exodus to describe the spiritual reality of Baptism: freedom from slavery followed by a challenging journey.
The prayer asks God to strengthen the child and watch over him or her throughout the journey of life. You are the first answer to that prayer. You are the first means by which God will protect and guide your child.
“With Baptism we become children of God in his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Rising from the waters of the baptismal font, every Christian hears again the voice that was once heard on the banks of the Jordan River: ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’”
—St. John Paul II (Chrisitifideles Laici, 11)
Consider forwarding this information to Godparents after choosing them, especially if they cannot attend a class.
In the Exodus, God saved his people Israel from slavery in Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land with many signs and wonders. He also used many human leaders to teach and guide his people. Moses led the people and gave them God’s law. Moses’ brother Aaron led the people in worship as High Priest. Moses’ sister Miriam led the people in praising God as a prophetess. At God’s command, Moses appointed 70 elders to help him govern the people in the wilderness. By agreeing to be a godparent, you are answering the call to guide and protect the newly baptized as God’s chosen leaders guided the Israelites during the Exodus.
Consider the following prayer from the Rite of Baptism:
Almighty God you sent your only Son to rescue us from slavery of sin, and to give us the freedom only your sons and daughters enjoy. We now pray for this child who will have to face the world with its temptations and fight the devil in all his cunning. Your Son died and rose again to save us. By his victory over sin and death, cleanse this child from the stain of original sin. Strengthen him (her) with the grace of Christ and watch over him (her) at every step in life’s journey. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
The prayer makes it clear that although the newly baptized child will immediately enter into the freedom of the sons and daughters of God that freedom is not without challenges and temptations. It is your mission as godparent to be an instrument of God in strengthening and supporting your godchild, watching over him or her “at every step in life’s journey.”
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1 – Ezekiel 36:25–26 says, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.” What do you think it means to have a new heart and a new spirit through Baptism?
2 – List the 2 reasons why Jesus needed to be Baptized according to the video.
3 – What are the 4 effects of Baptism discussed in the video?
4 – Why do you desire Baptism for your child or godchild? What is your deepest desire for your child or godchild in Baptism?
Because we do not have the opportunity to meet you in person, we will need you to complete a brief quiz. This allows us to know:
1 – You completed the Part 1 of the class.
2 – You understand what you should prior to your child or godchild’s baptism.
After you complete the quiz, you will automatically receive an email with an unpublished link to register for Part 2, the in-person component of Baptism Preparation. Quiz responses will be reviewed prior to your in-person class. We will contact you if we need further information.
1 – Each person completing the class must complete the quiz individually. That is the only way we know who completed the class and evaluate each person’s understanding of the content.
2 – Incomplete quizzes will not be accepted.
3 – We encourage you to review the handouts provided at the top of this page.
Almighty God, in Baptism you have poured out your grace upon us to cleanse us of our sins and make us your children. Filled with the Holy Spirit, you call us to share in the mission of your Son and live faithfully as members of his Body, the Church. Help us to encourage one another as we each offer you our sacrifice of worship, share your Word and your love with those around us, and work to conquer sin in our own lives. Amen.
We have been called by the Lord to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he has acquired for himself. Let us ask him to show his mercy to these children, who are to receive the graces of Baptism, to their parents and godparents, and to all the baptized everywhere. Through Baptism may these children become God’s own beloved sons and daughters. —Rite of Baptism for Children, 47
Congratulations on completing Part 1 of our Baptism Prep Class! As you prepare to celebrate your child/godchild’s baptism and help them to learn and grow in the Catholic Faith, here are some additional documents you might find helpful.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us—now or in the future. We are happy to answer any questions or help you however we can!