We at Espiritu Santo congratulate you! God has blessed you with a child. Now, you are presenting that child for baptism in the Catholic Church. We welcome all in our Catholic Community, as well as those from other faiths. Through the mystery of baptism, your child will be born again. Through baptism, your child will become a disciple, part of the body of Christ and a valued member of our community. It is our hope that through this Sacrament your family will grow in faith, share our concerns, serve others, and join us in the praise of God.

Classes are usually held the first Thursday of every month in the John Bosco Center, Room 1 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm with refreshments.  Infants and Godparents  are welcomed but not required to attend.

Register for the required Baptism Class by calling the Church Office at 727.726.8477 x326.  Please allow 2-3 months for preparation prior to your child’s baptism beginning with Baptism Class.  Please don’t place any unnecessary pressure on you or your out of town family and friends by selecting a date for the reception of the sacrament before you’ve been to class and have all the necessary documents returned.  Since we have nearly 200 Baptisms a year here, we ask that you complete the class and paperwork before a date is selected.

In the class the theology of the sacrement is presented; the leader answers parent's questions, and assists in filling out necessary forms.

Baptism is the basic sacrament of initiation into our faith.  Filled with signs and symbolism, it was so clearly given by John to Jesus that day in the Jordan River. The Baptism Blue Booklet reviews the theology of and the reasons why we have the sacrament of Baptism.  Please read this prior to attending our Baptism Class.  

In this Baptism Forms Packet are the forms that need to be completed and signed prior to the scheduling of the baptism for your child.  Simply print, complete, sign and bring them to class.  There will be blank forms available at the class as well.

If you would like to share some of your talent and time as a volunteer minister for this class: 

Congratulations! Becoming engaged to be married is a big step. All of us who work with you during the marriage preparation process are eager to help you during the coming months. We know that planning a wedding can be a very hectic time for you. It is also a time that you will learn a great deal about one another. You may be wondering where to begin.

Couples wishing to plan their weddings should contact the Church Office at 727.726.8477 and register for a Marriage Information Gathering.  Attending this session will begin your six months of preparation time. All questions will be addressed at this session.  Until then, please refer to the Espiritu Santo Guidelines for Wedding Preparation. We’re happy and eager to help you experience another step in your journey of faith through the sacrament of Marriage.

The church needs a minimum of 6 months for the preparation to receive the sacrament of Matrimony. This minimal period of time as set forth by the policie of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is simply stating that adequate preparation for the sacrament is essential. Certain elements such as assessment, discernment, enrichment, liturgical planning, and attending the initial Marriage Information Gathering need time -- at least 6 months.

For more information please contact Tim Bergevin at the Church Office, 727.726.8477 x326.

Teams of Our Lady (TOOL) is a world-wide married spirituality movement that started in the late 1930s. Its goal is to make good marriages better through various disciplines, including prayer, discussion of study material and TOOL’s endeavors. A team comprises 5-7 couples and usually a priest-chaplain. They meet monthly to share a meal and to assist each other in their spiritual progress. The movement is recognized by Rome and is open to married couples of all ages with at least one Catholic spouse. There is no active apostolate (though many Teams couples are active in parish, diocesan and national ministries) as the primary goal is to become more intimate with the Lord and one’s spouse. For more information, contact Tim Bergevin in the church office, 727.726.8477 x326 or Ed or Susan Klein.

Familia is a Catholic program committed to strengthening all families. It is Familia's mission to strengthen families by helping men and women live their vocation to marriage and parenthood in all its fullness.  The family is the bedrock of our society. This is where God has made known his presence in a most unique and unrepeatable way. Familia can help equip you with practical tools that will enable you to become father or mother your family needs.  As part of a small Familia team in your parish or neighborhood, you will discover and discuss the richness found in marriage. Small groups use a workbook to help participants prepare and guide the discussions. Each question clearly references back to a portion of the reading where the principle can be discovered and read together during the team meeting. Familia programs address topics that are relevant for today's  family. You will develop understanding and strategies which have the potential to positively impact your marriage, your children, and even your life at work.

You love your family. They are worth this investment of your time. Familia can help you reach the great heights God has planned for you. For more information about Familia, please contact Tim Bergevin in the church office, 727.726.8477 x326 or Anne Harper.