Baptism

Your baby's faith journey begins with you. Where do you begin? The journey to Baptism begins with a call to Pat Lucksinger at 512.477.9471 X 322 or an email to Baptism then, youll need to:

1. Attend a Baptism Preparation Course (Not necessary if you have done this before).

2. Schedule a baptism (See forms below).

3. Choose Godparent(s) (Only one is required).

4. Provide a copy of the child's birth certificate to verify the date of birth and correct name.

1. Godparent Baptism Covenant Form 

2. Baptism Date and Time Request Form

3. Baptism Form/Letter of Request for Non-Parishioners 

4. Christian Witness Covenant Form (if applicable)

Day and Time: Sundays, 2 – 3:30 p.m.      
Dates in 2022: March 13, May 8, July 10, September 11, November 13

Location: This is a virtual class - a link to the training will be provided after registration
 
Class registration:

• Please call the parish office at 512-477-9471 to reserve space and materials for the class no later than the Wednesday before Sunday's class 

• Please secure infant/childcare before attending the course as your full attention is important

• Parents, guardians, and godparents are encouraged to attend this class but may attend a class offered at another parish

Generally Baptisms at St. Austin's may be scheduled on:

• Saturdays at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 2:00 p.m.

• Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

• Weekday evenings after 5:30 p.m. may also be available upon request.

• Only one godparent is required for Baptism (c. 873)

• A godparent is appointed by the parent/guardian or minister

• As a rule, a godparent must be at least sixteen years of age

• A godparent(s) must be a baptized Catholic who has received First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation, and who lives a life of faith befitting the role of sponsor

• A godparent may not labor under any canonical penalties

• A godparent cannot be the mother or father of the one to be baptized

Note: A non-Catholic may serve as a Christian Witness for the infant to be baptized. It is their responsibility to foster the faith of their godchild throughout his/her life and to encourage their godchild to live out his/her baptismal vows in their Catholic Christian tradition. It is important for you to participate in future celebrations of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Parents/guardians who aren't registered members of St. Austin Catholic Parish must obtain a letter granting permission from the pastor of the parish in which they are registered to have a child baptized outside that parish.

Please download and complete Baptism Form/Letter of Request for Non-Parishioners in the Forms section above, and return it to the parish office with your Baptism request. 

Mailing address:      St. Austin Catholic Parish
                          BAPTISM
                          2026 Guadalupe Street
                          Austin, Texas  78705

We'll contact parents/guardians confirming the receipt of all required forms. At that time we'll confirm the date and time of the infant baptism.

Important tips:

• Avoid delays by making sure all forms are complete when sent

• Processing forms in the parish office may take a few days to complete

• Please keep a copy of each form and document for your personal records 

St. Austin Catholic Parish follows the norms set by the Diocese of Austin for the Sacrament of Baptism.

Any variances agreed upon by the parish clergy and the parents/guardians from the norms and parish guidelines for baptisms must be documented and filed with the parish office before the baptism. 

Clergy* from outside the Diocese of Austin, Texas must: 

• Must obtain written permission from the pastor. Please visit the Diocese of Austin website for current forms for this purpose.  

• Complete and mail the diocesan confirmation granting permission to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism within the diocese

*Clergy = ordained minister of the Roman Catholic Church with faculties to celebrate the Church’s sacraments.