"The sacrament of Baptism is the beginning of life—supernatural life.

Because of original sin, we come into the world with a soul which is supernaturally dead. We come into the world with only the natural endowments of human nature. The supernatural life which is the result of God’s personal and intimate indwelling, is absent from the soul.

Original sin is not, in the strict sense, a “blot” upon the soul. Indeed, original sin is not a “something” at all. It is the absence of something that should be there. It is a darkness where there ought to be light.

Jesus instituted the sacrament of Baptism to apply to each individual soul the atonement which He made on the Cross for original sin.

Jesus will not force His gift upon us, the gift of supernatural life for which He paid. He holds the gift out to us hopefully, but each of us must freely accept it.

We make that acceptance by receiving the sacrament of Baptism.

When the sacrament of Baptism is administered, the spiritual vacuum which we call original sin disappears as God becomes present in the soul, and the soul is caught up into that sharing of God’s own life which we call sanctifying grace."
 
–The Sacrament of Baptism:Gateway of new life Retrieved from http://www.beginningcatholic.com/baptism.htm

Infants to children the age of 5:

There are several requirements for the parents who wish to baptize their child at Immaculate Conception Church:

• The first setp in making arrangements for a child’s baptism, the parent or guardian must make an appointment to meet with a priest at the Parish Office.  

• A copy of the State Birth Certificate or paternity papers are required before the Baptism is scheduled.

• $20 fee along with the sponsors’ permission slip are required before a baptism is scheduled. 
  • If sponsors are not registered at Immaculate Conception Parish, they can pick up one at the Catholic Church where they are registered.

• Parents and sponsors must attend the Baptismal Class.

• Names given at the time of the baptismal registration will be the names entered on the baptismal certificate.  You will be asked to sign the baptismal registration form which you are stating that the names are spelled correctly and all information is correct.  Once the certificates are typed, we will not accept any more changes or additions to the name. Certificates are typed by Wednesday afternoon after the class.  All information is required before then.  No additional names or changes will be accepted at the time of baptism.

• If you would like your child fully immersed in the Holy Water, please make sure that they are ready with only a diaper and t-shirt at the time of the baptism.  Please make sure to bring a large white bath towel.

• There is no assigned seating for the parents and their families. 

There are several serious and strict requirements for the Sponsor:

• Must be 16 years of age and must be Baptized, Confirmed and have received his/her First Holy Communion.

• Must be a registered Catholic and in good standing, and practicing the Catholic faith on a regular basis. Practicing means they go to mass every Sunday and on Holy Days;  go to Confession at least once a year in the Easter season, receive Communion regularly, and support the Catholic Church.

• Must be registered at the IC Parish for at least 3 months. 
  • If sponsors are not a member of the IC Parish or do not live in Las Vegas, please register at a parish in the town you live in.

• If married, even if they are standing alone or with someone other than their spouse, they must be married in the Catholic Church.  They cannot be married civilly or outside the Catholic Church, or living together with someone outside of marriage.

• Must understand and accept the responsibilities which he/she will undertake being a sponsor for this child.

• Must help this child, by example, word and communion with, and according to the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church.

BAPTISM CLASS 
Parents and Sponsors are required to take a Baptism Class in order to baptize a child.

• Baptism Classes are offered on the first Thursday of each month from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on-line via Zoom. 
  • The zoom link will be issued at the time that the child is registered for Baptism.  
• If you are unable to attend the scheduled on-line class, you can take the class on your own. 
  • To register for the on-line course on your own click on the Baptism Class Link below. 
  • There is a $10 fee to take the class on your own.  
  • ​Parents and sponsors must submit a copy of the Course Completion Certificate to the Parish Office once the course has been completed. 
• Baptisms are held each Sunday after the 11:00 am Mass.
  • Parents and Sponsors are required to attend the Mass.

• See the RCIA/RCIC page for more information.

Does it make any difference who you ask to be a Godparent for your children?

IT SURE DOES!!

People often want to ask their best friend or favorite relatives to act as Godparents fro their children; they usually do this as a way of honoring someone.  Of course, we all would like to honor those who are dear to us, but the Baptism of your child may not be the right time to do so.

Would you ask your best friend to perform heart surgery on your child?  Of course not, unless he/she is a competent heart surgeon. So, if the role of a Godparent is to help the parents raise their child in the good practice of the Catholic faith, then it stands to reason that you should ask someone who shows by their own knowledge and practice that they can help someone else follow in their footsteps.

Helping a child to become a good Catholic Christian is an important undertaking; it is therefore equally important to ask someone who regularly prays with the community at Sunday mass, and who also practices their faith in other ways and shows a commitment to Christian values

None of this is to suggest that your dear friends or relatives are not good people. They will surely be with you in many other ways. But, a mathematics teacher may not be a good teacher in the English grammar and good friend or close relative may not be the best role model of Catholic Christian practice.

If you value your faith, you will choose the best teacher to help you pass on faith to your children.