Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 28:19)

The sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of, and the initial step into, the Christian life.  It is the first of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.  Along with the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, it makes up the sacraments of Christian initiation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the word baptism comes from the Greek baptizein, which means to “plunge” or “immerse” into water.  Through the sacrament of Baptism we are freed from original sin, reborn as a child of God, become members of Christ and are incorporated into the family of the Catholic Church.  (CCC 1213)

Infants/Young Children

The preferred way that the sacrament of Baptism is celebrated is at one of our weekend Masses – Saturday, 5:00 pm or Sunday at 9:45 am. In this way, the community is present, offering their love and support for the child and the family.

Parents should contact Deacon Rich Foley at (650) 366-9544 to set up an informational appointment when requesting a baptism at St. Matthias. During the appointment, the parents are signed up for a Baptismal Preparation class if they have not attended one within the last few years. The date of the baptism is also put on the calendar.

All the sacraments are free, the same as God’s love for us. However, we ask you to help contribute to the ongoing support of the Church with a suggested donation of $50-100 or whatever you are able to afford. Your gift should be mailed to the office within a few days after your child is baptized.

A Baptismal certificate is mailed to the parents after the Baptism has taken place.

Older Children

When children who have reached school age, but have not yet been baptized, we encourage parents to enroll in our faith formation (GIFT ) programs and begin attending as a family. We invite them to schedule an appointment with the Faith Formation staff and begin the preparation process for Baptism. Children who have reached the age of reason (age 7) who have not yet been baptized would participate in a process based on RCIA, but adapted for children. Parents are expected to be active participants with their children. Children would be prepared for the reception of all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation). Contact Sabrina for more information.

Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) offers classes for adults and children aged 7 or older into full communion with the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).

To learn more about receiving the sacrament of Baptism as an adult or child of catechetical age, visit the RCIA page.

Godparents

The role of a godparent is to help parents, in raising your child in the Catholic faith. They serve as representatives of the faith community. You are encouraged to choose godparents who will take their role seriously. Godparents must be at least 16 years of age and at least one of the godparents must be a fully initiated Catholic. Godparents may attend the Baptismal Preparation class but it is not required.