BAPTISM IS THE FIRST SACRAMENT OF INITIATION BY WHICH WE ARE FREED FROM ALL SIN AND ARE ENDOWED WITH THE GIFT OF DIVINE LIFE, ARE MADE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, AND ARE CALLED TO HOLINESS AND MISSION. BAPTISM MAKES US THE DWELLING PLACE OF THE MOST BLESSED TRINITY, MAKES EACH OF US A HOLY TEMPLE, FOR “HOLY IS THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AND THIS TEMPLE YOU ARE.” (1 CORINTHIANS 3:17)
Congratulations on your upcoming celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism!
Steps to celebrate a baptism at Sacred Heart Cathedral:
1. Parents planning to have their child baptized should call the parish office at 865-588-0249. Spanish language Parents’ Preparation “platicas” are held on every second Sunday of the month at 10:30 AM. Spanish Baptisms are the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10 AM or every 4th Sunday on even months at 1 PM.
2. English language Baptisms are scheduled by appointment with one of our priests or deacons. The parents must meet with a priest or deacon for baptism preparation unless they have participated in baptism preparation within the last five years.
3. The baptism preparation may also be attended at another parish. We would need a letter of permission from the pastor of that parish to proceed. After Baptism, the child’s information will be recorded in the sacramental book of records, and a certificate will be mailed to the parents. Godparents chosen will need to be registered at a parish and in communion with the Catholic church. Please call the church office if you need more information.
Please feel free to call the Cathedral office with questions at 865.588.0249 (M-F 9 am-4 pm)