Baptism

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded of you.”(Matthew 28:19-20)

The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ.

Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Church community. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Baptism, like the other Sacraments, is a community celebration. God alone is the source of all live and all love. He has blessed  your child with the  precious gift of life. God wants you, as parents, to help your child discover His gift of faith.

The baptismal rite reminds the parents that they are the child’s first teachers. Your love, your teaching, and especially your good example will help your child to grow in faith and in their relationship with God.

This is why we have a special preparation session for parents and godparents by raising their consciousness about this important responsibility.

Pre-Baptismal Class for Parents

Parish families who wish to have a child baptized should  contact either Fr Bongi, Fr Bart or Fr Chris to attend two pre-baptismal classes. Classes are held on the third and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Baptism takes place on the last Saturday of the month at 4.30.

BAPTISM AT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Catholic Church has always taught and respected the understanding that parents are the primary educators in the faith of their children. Our Baptismal preparation is designed to assist parents and godparents in raising these children in the faith.

Please allow ample time to complete this planning.

Before you schedule your child’s baptism, we ask parents:

  • To be registered and active members* of the Catholic Church
  • To have attended  the pre-baptism preparation class

* An active member is registered with a parish, attends Mass on a regular basis, supports the parish through the giving of time, talent.

* Are you registered and active members of the parish of Our Lady Help of Christians OR another parish?

PERMISSION TO BAPTISE ELSEWHERE

If Our Lady Help of Christians is your home parish and you wish to baptize your child at another parish, you will need to request a “letter of permission” from the parish office.

Provide the Parish Priest with:

  • Parents’ and child’s names
  • Family address, phone, email
  • Baptism date or tentative date
  • Parish of baptism: name, address, phone, fax, contact name and email.
  • If the parish requires proof of attendance at a baptism preparation class and
    you attended the class at the parish
  • Ask the Parish Priest to include class date in letter. If you are unsure of date, we
    can look it up.

Contact: Parish Secretary on email : olhc@salesians.org.za or tel no: (021) 696-2904.