Baptismal Preparation
Baptism washes away original sin and marks a person's initiation into the Christian faith — the first of the seven sacraments, and the gateway to every other. Baptism is a beautiful new beginning in Christ, and we're honored to walk this journey with you.
Baptism is "the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments" — Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 1213
Which Path Is Right for Your Family?
Child (Age 7+) or Adult
Anyone seeking Baptism who is age 7 or older — including adults — joins our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) process rather than the steps below.
Learn About OCIA →Contact Chris Voorheis at [email protected] to get started.
Infant Through Age 6
If you're seeking Baptism for a child from infancy through age 6, you're in the right place — the steps on this page walk you through the whole process.
See the Steps ↓Who Can Request a Baptism
Parents
A child's parents can register for Baptism directly. If you're a family member or godparent reading this, please share this page with the parents.
St. Bernadette Parishioners
If you regularly attend Mass with us but aren't registered, please complete a parish registration form first.
Non-Parishioners
You'll need a letter from your home parish pastor permitting you to baptize your child at St. Bernadette. Please mail or email the letter to [email protected].
Families Outside Our Diocese
Email [email protected] or call 850-234-3266 to discuss your situation. Note: the church where your child is baptized becomes their home parish for all future sacramental records.
Preparing for Baptism
We ask for six weeks of preparation before your desired baptism date. Here's what that involves.
Register Online
Visit the Sacraments page to submit the Baptism registration form.
Select Godparents
Choose one or two godparents for your child's Baptism. If two, one must be male and one female.
Sponsor Forms
Each godparent completes a signed sponsor worksheet, including their home pastor's signature and parish seal. If two godparents, use a separate worksheet for each — download it below.
Baptismal Classes
Parents and godparents watch the Reborn series on the Formed platform, or provide a certificate of completion from a class taken within the last year. Details below.
Who Can Be a Godparent
A sponsor (godparent) must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be a practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation
- Regularly attend Sunday Mass
- If married, be married within the Catholic Church
- Read and sign the sponsor worksheet, which their home pastor must also sign and seal
Baptismal Classes on Formed
Parents and godparents watch the Reborn video series — six episodes — on the Formed platform.
Go to formed.org.
Search for our parish by zip code and select St. Bernadette.
Register with your name and email address.
Check that email for a link to begin using Formed, then watch the Reborn series.
Ceremony Details
When are baptisms celebrated?
As of July 1, 2026, baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month.
Who will baptize my child?
The priest at St. Bernadette will baptize your child. If you'd like a visiting priest or deacon to officiate, they must be approved by our diocese and pastor, and must submit a letter of good standing.
What if a godparent can't attend?
You may appoint a proxy to stand in for a godparent who can't be physically present. A proxy does not need to be Catholic.
What if one parent doesn't consent?
The sacrament can still be administered as long as one parent gives consent, though the other parent should be made aware of the baptism if possible.
Downloadable Worksheets
Both forms require a signature — print, complete, and return by mail, email, or in person.
Sponsor (Godparent) Worksheet
One per godparent — includes the eligibility questions and the sponsor certificate their home pastor must sign and seal.
Baptism Worksheet
Child and family record used by our parish office to prepare the sacramental record.
Return completed forms to St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1214 Moylan Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407, or email [email protected].
Full Baptismal Guidelines
The complete parish policy document, including full detail behind everything summarized on this page.
Other Questions
We're registered here but want to baptize elsewhere — what do we need?
Contact the parish office at [email protected] for a permission letter from our pastor. You'll also need to check with the other parish for their specific requirements.
What should we wear?
Please dress respectfully for the sacred nature of the ceremony in the church.
Is a gift for the priest expected?
It's customary, though not required, to offer a small stipend to the priest who baptizes your child.