Catholic baptism is the first of the seven sacraments and serves as the initiation into the Catholic Church. Through this the person who receives it is cleansed of his/her Original Sin, and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. During the Rite, water is poured over the individual, accompanied by the baptismal formula: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This sacrament marks the individual as a member of the Catholic Church, granting them grace and a spiritual identity as a child of God.
We are delighted to welcome your child into the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism! To prepare, a Baptism session is necessary. If this is your first child being baptized, attendance at a Pre-Baptism Class is mandatory. For adult baptism too, a period of catechumenate is essential. Please contact the Parish Priest to arrange for this.
Here are some rules for choosing a godparent for baptism:
• Relationship : The godparent can be, but need not be, a person having blood-relationship with the candidate to be baptized. However Godparent cannot be the child's mother or father.
• Age: The godparent must be at least 16 years old, unless the Parish Priest or bishop grants an exception.
• Catholicism: The godparent must be a baptized, practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
• Membership: The godparent must be a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church and participate in Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
• Marriage: If married, the godparent must be validly married according to Catholic Church law.
• Role model: The godparent must be a positive role model and be willing to take an active interest in the child's spiritual development.
• Approval: The godparent must be approved by the Parish Priest.
• Number: The church requires only one Catholic godparent, but parents may choose two, one male and one female.
