Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, in keeping with policies set forth by the Diocese of Phoenix on the Sacrament of Baptism, has established the following guidelines.

• Living in our parish boundaries or Parish Registration is required for the Sacrament of Baptism.
  Adults children, 18 years and older, are encouraged to be registered separately from their parents, in order to have their own children baptized or be godparents.
• If YOU are a Catholic living outside our parish boundaries, you must be a registered and active parishioner at Saint Thomas Aquinas for at least 6 months, before asking for the Sacrament of Baptism.
• If you are moving your parish registration to Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, the 6 month waiting period can be waived by presenting a letter from your former parish, indicating that you were an active member there.
• Baptisms are performed on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
• Baptism Preparation Classes are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Clare Hall. Both parents are required to attend and we encourage the godparents to attend, also.
• If you have attended a class in the last three years, another Baptism Preparation class is not necessary. Call the Parish Office at 623-935-2151 and ask for Patti, at extension 215, to find out the necessary steps to schedule a Baptism .
  

The qualifications and role of Godparents.
Godparents, together with the parents, are present to profess the Church’s faith, in which the child is being baptized. Godparents are spiritual guardians, after the parents, of the gift of faith and its flowering in the life of the baptized child. In order to be appointed godparents, the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it. (Canon Law #872)

• At least one baptismal godparent is required, either male or female.
• A 2nd godparent, of the opposite sex may be chosen.

To be admitted to the roles of godparent, a person must:

• To be a Godparent one must be16 years of age or older and have received the three sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
• If single, this potential sponsor is not currently living with someone as a couple outside of marriage (i.e. cohabitating or common law marriage.)
• If married, the sponsor must be married through the Roman Catholic Church.
• Catholic godparent (s) from another parish, other than Saint Thomas Aquinas, are required to obtain a “Letter of Verification” from their parish stating that they are practicing Catholics, registered at that parish, and eligible to be a godparent. Prospective godparents need to contact their parish and arrange to have their parish verification faxed or mailed to Saint Thomas Aquinas Church , ATTENTION : Patti. Fax # 623-935-5044.
• Godparents from Saint Thomas Aquinas parish will have their parish registration verified.
• A Catholic who is not practicing their faith or has left the Catholic Church for another Christian denomination cannot be a witness or a godparent.
• A baptized person who belongs to a non-catholic ecclesial community together with a Catholic sponsor can serve as a Christian Witness.

Interview will be scheduled at the Baptism Preparation class for all parents. If you need to postpone your interview appointment, please call the parish office at 623-935-2151 and CANCEL the appointment.

Frequently asked godparent questions:

• Can we have two godmothers or two godfathers?
  No. There may be one godfather and one godmother.(Code of Canon Law 873).
• What are the duties of parents and godparents?
  In infant baptism the godparent, together with the parents, presents the child for baptism and helps the baptized to lead the Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it (Code of Canon Law 872).
• What if the godparent cannot be present for the Baptism?
  If the godparent cannot be present in person, he or she may appoint another person to serve as a proxy.
• Can a baptized non-Catholic be a godparent ? Yes. Such a person is known as a Christian witness. The Christian witness must be at least 16 years old, a validly baptized Christian, living an upright life.

AFTER THE BAPTISM
Baptism is the beginning of the life of faith. Parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. We welcome you at any time to speak with Father Jorge Canez, regarding any questions of parenting children in our Catholic faith.
We encourage you to stay connected with your church family. There are many ministries and groups to enjoy and we would love to have you be a part of them!

Two items are needed for the Celebration of Baptism:

White garment

In the early Catholic Church, as the candidate for Baptism rejected sin, Satan and their former way of life, they would shed their old clothes. After being baptized in the clear cleansing Waters of Life, the newly admitted members to the Church Community, would put on new white garments, as noted in the Book of Revelation “that the saints of God stood around the throne of God wearing long white robes , washed in the Blood of the Lamb”. This tradition continues today in the white baptismal garment, the white First Eucharist dress, and the white Wedding dress- the new Saint of God, wearing their white heavenly garment.

Baptismal candle
Originally, Baptism occurred only once a year during Easter Vigil. The large Paschal Candle of Easter, representing the “Light of Christ” dispelling the darkness of the world “ was lit. The newly baptized, receive a candle lit from this Christ Candle as a sign that they may been enlightened by Christ, and are to walk as a Child of the Light”. You may bring a special candle with you, or use the one that is supplied by the parish.

WHY REGISTER?

If you have been attending St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community and would like to become a registered parishioner, please stop in the Parish  Office and take home a welcome packet. As the parish continues to grow at such a fast rate, it is important for families to register at the  parish. Why? To be eligible for the following programs YOU must be a registered, active parishioner here at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community.

• Sacramental Programs:
                  ● Baptism, Religious Education programs, etc.
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Active parishioner verification for
  ● Catholic elementary and high schools
     ● Baptismal godparent letters