INFANT BAPTISM (0-6 years of age)
The goal of every infant baptism is to produce an adult who is an active, practicing Catholic. Children learn primarily through example. Therefore, the most important requirement for infant baptism is at least one parent who is committed to being an active, practicing Catholic and can lead by the example of his/her life.
Other requirements include an interview with a priest, preferably with both parents, even if one is not Catholic, and attendance at a baptismal preparation class.
Ordinarily, we celebrate the sacrament of baptism for families from our own parish. If you are not a parishoner of St. Joseph of Cupertino but are interested in having your child baptized here, please call the parish office to get more information.
What about godparents? Every child must have one godparent; two are permitted. If two are chosen, one must be a man and one must be a woman. Because the role of a godparent in the Catholic Church is to assist the parents in raising a child as a Catholic, candidates for godparents must be active, practicing Catholics. In addition, candidates for godparents must provide a godparent eligibility certificate signed by the pastor of their parish and stating that they are Catholics in good standing. We encourage candidates for godparents to attend the baptismal preparation class offered in our parish or at their own parish.
A person who is a baptized Christian of another denomination may be chosen to participate in the rite of baptism as a "Christian witness," as long as there is at least one active, practicing Catholic who has been chosen to be the godparent. Please note that persons who are unbaptized are ineligible to be godparents or Christian witnesses but they are welcome to attend the baptismal ceremony.
We ask that all families who have infants baptized at St. Joseph of Cupertino give a donation to the parish community.
To schedule a baptismal interview or to learn more about infant baptism, please call the parish office at 408-252-7653.
Application Form for Infant Baptism