Baptism, the gate to the Sacraments, is necessary to salvation, either by actual reception or at least by desire. Christ Himself said: “Unless a man is born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Baptism is an encounter with Christ, and incorporation into His Body, the Church; it frees from sins and configures one to Christ by an indelible character (cf. Canon 849).The request for Baptism in the Catholic Church includes the request that this person should become a member of that community of faith and that community of worship which is known as Roman Catholic.

VENUE FOR BAPTISM:

In accordance with canons 857 to 860, the proper place for baptism is in the Parish Church “unless a just cause suggests otherwise,” or the Ordinary decrees to the contrary.

ADULT BAPTISM:
In keeping with the foregoing and in accordance with Canon 851(1), the adult Candidate should “be admitted to the catechumenate (R.C.I.A.), and to the extent possible, be led through the several stages to sacramental initiation.” These stages occur during Lent. Baptism of adults should preferably be done during the Easter Vigil either by pouring or immersion (wherever possible), with due respect to Canon 863. The Pastor will confirm immediately during the Vigil in accordance with Canon 866.

INFANT BAPTISM:

Regarding baptism of infants, parents and sponsors supply the faith lacking in the interest of the infant, Canon 851(2) must be observed. “The parents of an infant who is to be baptized and likewise those who are to undertake the office of sponsor are to be properly instructed in the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations which are attached to it; personally or through others. The pastor is to see to it that the parents are properly formed by pastoral directions and by common prayer, gathering several families together and where possible visiting them.” (See also Canons 774 (2) and 776). During pregnancy, parents and sponsors may participate in the required preparation programme for the baptism of their child so that Canon 867 may be followed, i.e. Baptism “within the first weeks after birth.”

SPONSORS:

i) Sponsors should be “people of faith”. Not any Catholic will do as a sponsor, since that person could be Catholic in name only. A faithful Catholic is one who tries to live a life consonant with the Gospel, attends Sunday Mass regularly, and approaches the sacraments.

ii) “Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each sex is to be employed” (Canon 973). Only those two names will be recorded in the Baptism Register.

NAME: “Parents, sponsors and the pastor are to see that a name foreign to a Christian mentality is not given.” (Canon 855). This same name will be used for Confirmation.