Diocesan Policy - Infant Baptism

• Timing: Infants should be baptized soon after birth, though sufficient time is needed for proper instruction. Children seven years or older must receive instruction before being baptized.
• Location: The ordinary place for baptism is in the parish church of the parents.
• Parent or Guardian: One of the parents or a legal guardian must request the baptism. There must be a founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith.
• Godparent Requirements: Godparents must have received Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist, be at least 16 years old, and be practicing Catholics. If married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. Normally there are two godparents — one man and one woman.
• Non-Catholic Witness: A baptized non-Catholic may not be a godparent but may serve as an official witness, as long as there is at least one Catholic godparent. A baptized Catholic who has not completed the Sacraments of Initiation may not serve as a witness.
• Pre-Baptismal Instruction: Baptism is not to be conferred until both parents and godparents have attended pre-baptismal instruction. The responsibilities of parents and godparents and the celebration of the rite will be reviewed during this session.

Full Diocesan Baptism Policy – Diocese of Fresno

Adult Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA)

• Entering the RCIA: Adults seeking baptism are admitted to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This is normally begun by speaking personally with the parish priest. Children who have reached the age of reason follow the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children.
• Already Baptized Christians: An adult who has already received Christian baptism outside the Catholic Church and wishes to join the Catholic Church follows the same stages as a candidate for reception into full communion.
• Easter Vigil: All RCIA participants are to be confirmed immediately after baptism or reception into full communion, and fully participate in the Eucharist, including the reception of Holy Communion. This normally takes place during the Easter Vigil service.
• Sponsors: Adult sponsors must fulfill the same requirements as godparents for infant baptism, and are encouraged to accompany the catechumen or candidate through the stages of preparation.
• Catechized Catholics: Adults who are already baptized Catholic and catechized should not be included in the full RCIA process. They may undergo a shortened process to prepare for Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion.