Welcome to Holy Trinity Catholic Church! It’s so wonderful that you are looking forward to baptizing your baby. Please know that Holy Trinity is your spiritual family, you and your child(ren) can count yourself at home here.
If you are a newly registered in the parish, we want you to feel at home in the parish. This takes time, so the Baptism will be scheduled no sooner than 3 months after registering. Please come to Mass every Sunday and use the envelopes so that we know you are here! And of course introduce yourself to the priests and deacons – we want to meet you personally!
We ask that the parents and godparents to take the Baptism Preparation Class, if it has been more than 3 years since you have taken a baptismal preparation class (or if you have less than 3 children). The class can be taken at any time in advance of the actual date of the Baptism. PLEASE NOTE the godparents are now REQUIRED to take the at baptism preparation class (here or at their own parish). Or provide proof that they have taken one within the last three years.
Being married in the Church is not a prerequisite for having your child baptized. However, it will be great to meet with one of the priests or deacon regarding this. The priest/deacon wants to listen and appreciate your individual situation. Everyone’s situation is unique.
Christian Kleb is the point of contact to register for a baptismal class, answer questions, and reserve a date for a baptism. Before you can set a date, Holy Trinity must have the completed original copies of the sponsor certificates.
He can be reached at (703) 753-6700, ext 120 or by email here:
Classes are offered monthly in both English and Spanish. Please contact Christian Kleb to sign up for the baptismal preparation class.
English: 1st Monday of the month at 8pm via Zoom (Except when there is a federal holiday)
Spanish: Upon request
English Baptisms are held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month at 12:30pm in the church, except when noted (Feast days usually or special events at the church). Each baptismal date is limited to four families at this time (first come first served).
Spanish Baptisms are held on the third Saturday of the month, at 6:30 pm in the church. Each baptismal date is limited to four families at this time (first come first served).
Before you can set a date, Holy Trinity must have the physical/original completed sponsor certificates with a raised seal from the parish.
Are your godparents eligible?
You are encouraged to have two godparents. One must be male and one must be female. However, you only need one practicing Catholic to baptize your baby. Both godparents must provide a godparent/sponsor certificate from Holy Trinity before we can set a date for the baptism and at least two weeks before the desired date. Each Catholic godparent from outside the parish must provide an original (no fax or copies will be accepted) Holy Trinity’s sponsor certificate signed by a priest from their home parish with a raised seal from the parish. If we don’t have the sponsor certificates, unfortunately we can’t secure a date. The certificate must verify them as registered members of the Catholic Church and that they are able to undertake the duties and responsibilities of a Godparent. Godparents must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, be 16 years old, be regular participants in the life of their Parish and, if they are married, be married sacramentally in the Church.
Rather than two godparents, you may have a godparent and a Christian Witness for your child’s baptism. A Christian Witness is a person who is a non-Catholic, baptized Christian of another faith. A Christian Witness does not need any certification documentation. The name of the Christian Witness will not appear on the Baptismal Certificate. Non-practicing Catholics may not be Godparents, Christian Witnesses, or proxies (in case of any questions, you are welcome to contact our Pastor at the Parish Office).
If you need a proxy (the person who stands in for the godparent when he/she cannot be present) the requirements for the proxy are the same ones as the ones of the godparent. When a proxy is used, the sponsor certificates from the godparents still need to be sent to Holy Trinity.
To obtain a Godparent/Sponsor Certificate from Holy Trinity:
A Godparent/Sponsor has to be registered and active in the parish 3 months prior to requesting a sponsor certificate, must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, be 16 years old, be regular participants in the life of the Parish and, if they are married, be married sacramentally in the Church. Please refer any questions to the parish office. When requesting a sponsor certificate please request it at least 3 weeks before the baptism, especially if the baptism will take place at Holy Trinity.
To be “active, regular participants” in Holy Trinity Parish means:
– You attend Sunday Mass every Sunday and receive the sacraments regularly
– If you have children, they are registered in Religious Education 1st-8th grade (including those homeschooled)
– You are registered
– You support the parish through your talents, time and/or financially either through envelopes or online giving.