Sacrament of Baptism

We welcome and congratulate those families who wish to pass on the faith to their children through the Sacrament of Baptism.  We are delighted to help you prepare for your child's baptism. Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Dear Parents,
Congratulations! We believe that every child is a precious gift of God. It is truly wonderful that you wish to share your faith with your child, for Jesus Himself said: “Let the children come to me.” As you begin bringing up your child in the Catholic Church, you undoubtedly have many questions and concerns. We would like to share with you the rich depth and beauty of what it means to be a Catholic parent. 

The Children’s Baptism Sacrament Preparation Program is designed to help parents appreciate the religious significance and meaning behind the use of symbols during your child's Baptism ceremony.  Our Baptism Ministry also shares with parents, the rituals and traditions of the Catholic faith, and the responsibility and joy of being the first teachers of their children in matters of faith.     

Church Registration: We warmly welcome everyone to our parish family.   Parents desiring to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism for their child are asked to please register in the Parish at least one month prior to the baptism.    New Parishioner Registration - St. Stephen Catholic Church - Riverview, FL

Baptisms: Baptisms are celebrated in the Main Church following the 11:30 am Mass beginning following preparation at 12:45 pm.  Our Church is located at (10118 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview, FL).   We ask that you please be on time, and take into consideration that traffic on Boyette Road and Church parking can be quite hectic at times, especially on Sunday mornings. You will be received by our Baptism Coordinators who will warmly greet and welcome you and your families. Our Baptism Coordinator will help you with seating and answer any questions you may have.    

Godparent Requirements:  (For more information on the role of a godparent, please refer to godparent video above)

• Parents of the child(ren) for baptism may choose one or two godparents (male and female). 

• The godparents chosen must be at least 16 years of age, already Confirmed, regularly attend Sunday Mass, and take seriously the role and duties that she or he is undertaking. 

• The godparent should be leading the life of faith in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church;

• If married, he or she has celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church.  

• A baptized person belonging to a non-Catholic Christian denomination may be admitted as a Christian Witness to baptism, standing alongside a Catholic godparent.

• Someone other than the parent or legal guardian of the one being baptized.

Required Documents:  Parents can email their baptism registration or stop by the Office of Faith Formation to meet with our Director of Faith Formation. This gives us an opportunity to welcome parents and children and go over required documents.  

• If your godparents are members of St. Stephen, please be sure your godparents meet godparent requirements (requirements listed above) and complete our parish Godparent Eligibility Form.  Our parish will complete the bottom portion of the form.

• If your Godparents are members of another parish your Catholic Godparent will need a (Godparent Certificate of Eligibility) issued from their parish that attests to their qualifications as a godparent.   

Baptism Fee:  Baptism registration fee $20.00 can be paid through our online giving at  https://ststephencatholic.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/BaptismRegistration

Photography: We welcome Photography and Videography during and following the baptisms.  We ask that the photographer and videographer respectfully stand in a location where he or she is not blocking or interfering with the ceremony.  The Priest or Deacon celebrating the baptism will be more than happy to pose for photographs following the ceremony.  Should you have any questions regarding photography, please do not hesitate to ask our Baptism Coordinators.

Dress:  Usually, infants and children are dressed in white when they celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. White is a symbol of being baptized into Christ. If the child is wearing another color, a white bib or stole will be placed upon them at the appropriate time of the ceremony. Please let our Baptism Coordinator know in advance.

Offering:  It is customary to give the Celebrant (Priest or Deacon) a stipend (donation) for baptisms. The amount is entirely up to you. The recommended amount is $25 to $50.  An envelope for your convenience is provided in your parent baptismal packet. If you forget your envelope baptism day our Baptism Coordinator will be more than happy to provide one for you. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

For more information, you can contact Rosie Bridges at 813-671-4434 or email Rosie at Rosie@ststephencatholic.org