The Sacrament of Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism is known as the sacrament of initiation, since according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Baptism makes one a member of the Body of Christ and prepares one for the reception of the other Sacraments. In the Catholic Church, infants are baptized to welcome them into the Catholic faith and to free them from the original sin they were born with.
In St Dominic’s Church the Sacrament of Baptisms is usually administered on Sundays, after all the fore-noon Masses are over.
- Parents of children who are to be baptized are to take note of the following:
- The parents and godparents of the child to be baptised are to attend a class prior to the administration of the Sacrament (Timing is given in the programme page).
- They are to fill up a form requesting the administration of the Sacrament for their child (This form will be given during the class).
- On the day of baptism, the child is to be clothed in white.
- The parents are to bring along with them a white candle and a white cloth (towel).
- It is also recommended that the parents and godparents go to confession prior to the administration of the Sacrament.
- A child should have two godparents (in exceptional circumstances one may suffice), preferably one of each gender and often from each side of the family. They have to be practicing Catholics, capable of giving good example.
Adult Initiation Adults seeking initiation are heartily welcomed in St Dominic’s Church. However, the pastors take sufficient care to examine their genuineness and intention, to rule out the presence of intimidation, inducement or lure of material benefits present in the candidate. A six-month period of probation and instruction is mandatory before they are admitted to the Sacrament. Besides, the following documents will also be scrutinised:
- Hand written request letter
- birth certificate
- affidavit
- letter of permission to baptize and delegation to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Archbishop.