Debbie Gallegos
208-232-1196 /  [email protected]

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit.(Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

So that we can best serve your family and provide a holy and beautiful celebration, the following items need to be completed 2 weeks prior to the date of the Baptism and submitted to the parish office.:

• Certificate of completion from Baptism Class from Parents and Godparents. (Parents and Godparents must attend Baptism class).  Contact Debbie at the parish office to find out about the next baptism class: 208-232-1196 or [email protected].

• Official State Birth Certificate of the child that is being baptized

• Parents and Godparents need to be registered members of Holy Spirit Catholic Community. Registration can be completed at the Parish office.

• The Baptism Registration Form must be completely filled out with no areas left blank.  You can download a copy of the form by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. 

• Parents or Godparents who do not reside in Pocatello or surrounding area must provide a letter signed by their Parish Priest, stating that he has given this family permission to either baptize or be godparent to a child in Holy Spirit Catholic Community.

• Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as are reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.