Baptism

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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 John’s Church, Palam the Sacrament of Baptisms is usually administered on weekdays.

Parents of children who are to be baptized are to take note of the following:

1. The parents and godparents of the child to be baptized are to attend a class prior to the administration of the Sacrament.

2. They are to fill up a form requesting the administration of the Sacrament for their child (This form will be given during the class).

3. On the day of baptism, the child is to be clothed in white.

4. The parents are to bring along with them a white candle and a white cloth (towel).

5. It is also recommended that the parents and godparents go to confession prior to the administration of the Sacrament.

6. 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.