For a baptism package for a child under 7, or for general questions about baptism at St Francis de Sales, contact the Baptism Preparation Coordinator at sfds_baptism@diocesetucson.org.

CHILDREN UNDER 7:

Baptism arrangements must be made by the parents of the child who is being baptized. Parents must be registered members of St. Francis de Sales Parish or must have written permission to have their child baptized at St. Francis de Sales Parish from the pastor of the parish in which they live and worship.  

It is important to understand that where your child is baptized will be the permanet home for all their sacramental records for the rest of their life.  Before requesting a baptism outside of the parish, please consider this fact and the long-term effects and discuss it with either the pastor or the baptism coordinator.  

If you are a parent desiring to arrange a baptism for their child, review the instructions and forms on the Baptism Forms page and complete the required forms. 

Baptisms are normally done on the second Saturday of the month, between 12:00 Noon and 2:00 pm.   From time to time throughout the year, this will vary according to the season and the needs of the parish. 

Any date requested for baptism will not be confirmed until all preparation and registration requirements are complete.  A date may be requested at the time the request form is completed. 

CHILDREN 7 - 18:

Children that have reached the age of reason (age 7) will be prepared for the Sacraments of Initiation through our Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) Program.  For more information, please contact the Religious Education director at sfds_elementaryRE@diocesetucson.org.

Parents requesting a Baptism Preparation Class must be registered member of St Francis de Sales parish.   

Baptism Preparations Classes are required for both parents and godparents. 

Classes are available via Zoom (all classes are at 1:00 unless otherwise noted):

• January 22, 2023
• February 19, 2023
• March 19, 2023

Once all required forms are completed, received, and verified by the Baptism Coordinator, parents and godparents will be emailed the registration information and links for the next Baptism Preparation Class.   Classes are offered one time per month.   

If either of the parents or Godparents has taken a Baptism Preparation Class in the 24 months prior to the date of baptism, a letter from the parish where the class was taken may be submitted for review by the pastor or the baptism coordinator to fill this requirement. 

Godparents requesting the class must be Godparents of a child being baptized at St Francis de Sales or registered members of St Francis de Sales parish.

A request for baptism preparation class when the baptism will be held in another parish requires a letter from the pastor of the parish where the baptism will be held granting permission for the class to be taken here.  

Godparent / Christian Witness Information (Sponsors)
Only one godparent is required for baptism.  
If two godparents (sponsors) are chosen, one must be male and one must be female (Canon Law 873). 
If only one godparent is chosen, a second person of the opposite sex and validly baptized in any Christian denomination may serve as a Christian Witness as long as they do not oppose the Catholic faith.  

The role of Godparent is not an honorary title to be conferred on just anyone. 
A Godparent needs to be an actively practicing Catholic.  Sadly, this task can be very difficult in today's world.  When considering who you will ask to be godparents, consider relatives, even grandparents, who have a blood relationship with the godchild and have kept the faith over the years.  Godparents should be faithful individuals who are ready to accept the responsibility of being a part of a godchild's life, especially during the critical years of their faith formation.

Godparents: 

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must be Baptized in the Catholic Church and have the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
• If married, the godparents must be validly married in the Catholic Church. 
• If not married (i.e., two single people), they must be living a life consistent with Church teachings. 
• Required to complete and submit a Godparent Verification Form.
• Required to provide a Letter of Good Standing from their parish of record (usually where they were baptized) verifying they have received the Sacrament of Baptism, the Sacrament of First Communion, and the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Without this, the baptism will not be scheduled. 

Adults wishing to be baptized must go through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, R.C.I.A.. Please contact the RCIA Director at sfds_RCIA@diocesetucson.org.