Baptism
Baptism (from the Greek word meaning to drown or immerse) marks the beginning of our life in Christ, a complete transformation of ourselves as faithful followers of Jesus, the Son of God. This sacrament recognizes our creation as images of God and welcomes infants and adults into the community of the faithful who profess that Jesus is Lord. In its public celebration, the community recalls its own initiation and sees again the vitality of the living and growing body of Christ in the world.
BAPTISM OF INFANTS
Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptised in the faith of the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom. (CCC 1282)
Who may be baptised at the Cathedral?
Infants whose parents are parishioners of St Joseph or those who can demonstrate some real link to the parish community. Parents who are from another parish or live within the geographical boundary of that parish will need to obtain permission from their parish priest to have their child baptised here.
We encourage parents to have their children baptised within the first few weeks of birth. It is the practice of the Cathedral to perform group infant baptisms on the last Sunday of the month at 11 am (after the third Mass) unless prevented by special circumstances. Please be alert to the Sunday church notices for the firm dates for the baptisms.
Parents and godparents of the child to be baptised MUST attend a special briefing usually held on the second last Sunday of the month at 11 am immediately after the third Mass.
Preparation for the briefing:
- Choose a Christian name (of a saint) for the child. That becomes the patron saint of the child who provides a model of charity and whose intercession is sought.
- Choose a godparent. The godparent should be at least 16 years old and is a practising Catholic with deep faith. Godparents should be able to maintain long term relationships with their godchildren. As persons of prayer they should be examples and Christian role models for their godchildren. It is the present parish policy to require a male child to be have a godfather and a female child to have a godmother.
- Complete the “Sacraments Form / Borang Sakramen” (Form SJC.01E) which is only made availabe at the briefing.
At the briefing on the second last Sunday of the month:
- Parents and godparents are to be punctual; they are to arrive before 11 am.
- Documents to bring are the photocopy of the child's birth certificate and the Family Record Book.
- The completed “Sacraments Form / Borang Sakramen” (SJC.01E) [distributed at the start of the briefing]; ensure that details are properly and clearly filled.
- These documents will be collected by the parish staff at the briefing.
At the baptism on the last Sunday of the month:
- Parents and godparents are to be punctual; they should arrive well before 11 am.
- Parents and godparents are to sit together.
- Parents are to prepare a baptismal candle for their child. The candle should be special and reflect the solemnity of the occasion.
- Prepare a “love offering” for the parish as a sign of thanksgiving for the baptism.
- The Baptismal Certificate along with the Family Record Book will be distributed immediately after the baptism.