Baptism

Step 1: Contact Sacred Heart

At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic committed to raising the child in the faith.

• Sacred Heart Parishioners: Contact us to receive the Baptism form and procedures by email.
• Families Registered at Another Parish: You must submit a “Letter of Permission” from your pastor confirming your parish registration and granting permission for the baptism at Sacred Heart. (Note: Baptisms for visiting families are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month).

Step 2: Complete Baptism Preparation Class

• When: 1st Tuesday of the month | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (via Zoom)
• Who: Both parents must attend
• Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call Jennifer Williams at 813-229-1595.
• Note: Classes are often filled up to 4 months in advance—plan early!

Step 3: Schedule Your Baptism

A date will only be reserved after you complete the class and submit all required paperwork:

1. Signed Sacred Heart Baptism Form (both parents)
2. Copy of the child’s Birth Certificate
3. Godparent Eligibility Letter/Form (with home parish seal)

Baptism Times

• Community Baptisms: 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM
• Weekend Masses: 1st and 3rd Sundays (and Saturday Vigil Mass)
• Note: Baptisms are not celebrated during Lent, major Holy Days, or select parish events.

A child who has already celebrated their 7th birthday is considered a “youth” in regards to baptism within the Catholic Church. As a practical matter this means children are already in grade school, middle school and high school. “One size” definitely does not fit everyone or every family’s needs. Reach out to our Director of Faith Formation, Barbara Ferreris so we can tailor a program that makes sense to the family and the parish. In general, children over 7 must either be enrolled in our parish Religious Education program or in a Catholic School for one year prior to scheduling a Baptism – one school year, not calendar year.

It is not uncommon to encounter adults who have not been baptized. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) is a journey of faith in which a person is accompanied by a sponsor, catechists, and a discernment team to guide your decision to accept the Sacrament of Baptism and grow in the faith of Jesus within the Catholic Church. To learn more about O.C.I.A., click here.

Godparents are chosen to be primary examples of faith, helping parents guide the child in living a Catholic life and not because they want to bestow a family/social honor.

• Number & Gender: You may have one Catholic Godparent, or two Godparents of opposite genders (one male, one female).
• Catholic Godparents: Must be registered, active parish members who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
• Christian Witness: A baptized non-Catholic practicing member of another Christian community may serve as a Christian Witness alongside a Catholic Godparent of the opposite gender. (Note: A Catholic who does not meet Godparent requirements may not serve as a Christian Witness.)
• Verification: Each Godparent must provide an official Eligibility Letter from their home parish.

Eligibility letters certify that you are an active and involved parishioner, not just registered.

An Active Parishioner:

• Attends weekly Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart.
• Is known within the parish community and friars.
• Supports the parish through volunteering, ministry, or financial stewardship.

Note: Being an active and involved parishioner is not the same as:

• I was married at Sacred Heart Church.
• I’ve celebrated all of my sacraments there.
• I went to Catholic school for twelve years.
• I’ve had all of my children baptized at your church.
• My parents/grandparents went there.