Requirements for the Baptismal Rites

Read the Previous Article: What the Catholic Church is Really Teaching about the Sacrament of Baptism?


Now that we have understood the sacramental aspect of baptism, let us now touch on the baptismal requirements for the Catholics. If these requirements do not apply to your geographical location, it is best to contact your Parish and ask them of the requirements when you set the date for your child’s baptism.

1. Selection of the Parish – It is better to have your child be baptized in a parish which has jurisdiction over your residence. If you prefer to do it in another parish, then you have to ask for a clearance/endorsement from your parish church. My child was baptized in Visayas and we reside in Makati. We wnet to makati’s Parish and asked for a clearance. It is not expensive and will only take them a couple of minutes to prepare.

2. Set the date – Due to a number of babies that the parishes have to baptize, you need to set an appointment. You also need to inform them if you will join a mass (group) or a special baptism for your child.

4. Payment – This varies per parish. Normally, mass baptisms are free of charge. Just ask the Parish on when their mass baptisms are scheduled.

5. Child’s Birth Certificate – You need to submit this to the Parish office.



6. Parent’s Marriage Certificate – This will be for the married parents. If your situation is different your child will still be baptized. An interview will be conducted by the Parish Priest.

7. List of godparents – minimum requirement is one pair. They also need to provide for a copy of their baptismal certificates and/or confirmation certificates.

8. Seminar for the parents and godparents – These are normally scheduled a few hours before the rite. Some parishes have set schedule for these.

9. The rite – Don’t be late and ask the godparents to be in the Church on time.

10. Candles – One candle each for the parents and godparents. 

11. Baby’s attire – All-white clothing is required for the baby, white cap or mini veil.



12. Dress code – Since the rite is done inside the church make sure that parents and guests dress modestly.



Read the previous article on Baptism: 

Baptism Viewed as a Social Celebration to Many Nominal Catholics

Source: Catechism of the Filipino Catholics.