The Sacrament of Baptism.
Baptism is the sacrament of spiritual rebirth and initiation into the Christian
Faith. Through the symbolic action of washing (sprinkling) with water and
the use of appropriate ritualistic formula, the baptized person is cleansed of
all sins and incorporated into Christ. He/ she becomes a member of the
Church and receives the graces of supernatural life
Baptism is known as ‘Gateway to the sacraments’. Hence only a validly
baptized person can receive all the other sacraments in the church. Therefore
it is important that every child that is born of Catholic parents must be
baptized as soon as possible
The sacrament of Baptism is a communitarian sacrament and needs to take
place during mass. However only for pastoral reasons baptisms are allowed
outside the mass
Baptisms in our church are held
on Sunday after 9:30 am Mass.
The parents / god parents prepare for the baptism of their children / god-
children as the priest makes them aware of their serious responsibility to
educate them in the love of the Lord and about bringing them up in the
practice of the Faith
To baptize your child in our church the parents must, complete the pre-
baptismal catechesis during the early months of pregnancy
Requirement: both God Parents should be Catholics and must be present for the
service
The parents are requested to bring their child wrapped in a simple cloth. The
white garment is put during the baptism service
Kindly ensure that a candle is brought for the service
Feed your child before coming to the church and ensure that you are in time for
the service
Adults preparing for the sacraments of Christian initiation should follow the
Adult Catechumenate programme as indicated in the Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Only after the completion of the RCIA course
the adult baptism will take place at the Easter Vigil Service
A duly completed Pre Baptismal Form with the correct spelling of the child’s
name should be submitted in the Parish Office. Kindly note that once the
details are entered in the Baptism register no changes are allowed. To make
any changes in the Baptism register the legal procedure has to be followed
and permission from the Bishops’ House has to be obtained
An envelope marked “Our Contribution” should be handed to the priest with
an offering to the Church
Baptism of Infants (Pre-Baptism Catechesis)
Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in his life in Jesus Christ and makes us his children. It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from sin.
Baptism comes from the Greek word baptize in which means to ‘plunge’ or ‘immerse’. The plunge into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, through which he rises in resurrection with Christ, as “a new creature”. (see CCC 1214)
The pre-baptism team is set up to prepare new parents for the sacrament of their child’s baptism. It has been made mandatory, because of the high importance placed on building family faith. The preparatory course not only focuses on the religious significance of the sacrament, but also extends to imparting tools for parents to bring up their children firm in the catholic faith.
We advise that both parents attend this course during the early stages of pregnancy to avoid any inconvenience to the mothers-to-be. We also urge the god parents to attend the last session of the course.
Announcements regarding the course are made in advance. To register, please visit the parish office along with a copy of your Church Marriage Certificate.
Pre-baptism classes for parents are generally offered by Catholic churches to prepare parents and godparents for the sacrament of Baptism. These classes aim to deepen the understanding of the sacrament’s significance and to equip parents with tools for raising their children in the faith. The classes often cover topics such as the meaning of baptism, the role of parents and godparents, and the practical aspects of the baptismal ceremony.
Here’s a more detailed look at what pre-baptism classes typically involve:
- Understanding the Sacrament of Baptism:
- Religious Significance:
Classes explore the theological and spiritual meaning of baptism, emphasizing its role as the first sacrament of initiation into Christianity and the Church.
- Baptismal Promises:
Participants learn about the promises made by parents and godparents on behalf of the child, including raising the child in the Catholic faith.
- Symbolism:
The classes often explain the symbolism of the baptismal rites, such as the use of water, oil, and a white garment.
- Practical Aspects:
The process of baptism, including the necessary documents and the order of the ceremony, is also explained.
- Preparing for Parenthood in Faith:
- Family Faith Formation:
Classes help parents understand their role in nurturing their child’s faith, including family prayer, reading Bible stories, and attending church services.
- Passing on the Faith:
Parents are guided on how to share their faith with their children through their words and actions.
- Role of Godparents:
The responsibilities of godparents in supporting the child’s spiritual development are discussed.
- Practical Parenting Tips:
Some classes may offer insights into parenting, childbirth care, and bonding with the child.
- Practical Matters:
- Scheduling and Registration:
Information about when and where classes are held, how to register, and what documents are needed is provided.
- Attendance:
It’s often recommended that both parents attend the class, and godparents may also be encouraged to participate, especially in the final session.
- Online Options:
Some parishes or organizations may offer online pre-baptism classes, providing flexibility for parents.
- Importance of Pre-Baptism Classes:
- Meeting Requirements:
Pre-baptism classes are often a requirement for having a child baptized in the Catholic Church.
- Building a Strong Foundation:
These classes help parents prepare for the spiritual journey of raising their child in the faith.
- Connecting with the Church Community:
Pre-baptism classes offer an opportunity to connect with other families and learn about the church’s support for families.