Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. (CCC 1213)

In Baptism a number of marvelous things happen to the new Christian.  Through Baptism one becomes a true member of the Church and that is why baptism is sometimes called Christening or making the person a Christian. St. Paul reminds us that we have been baptized into Christ, so have baptized into His death. Therefore it is no longer we who live but Christ who lives in us. So Baptism is a kind of spiritual death, where we die with Christ under the waters and rise with Him to new life. Baptism cleanses us of both original and actual sin. We believe that we have inherited original sin from our first parents and that Christ by His saving mystery has allowed us the forgiveness of this sin and all sin through the waters of baptism.
 

Who can be baptized?

• Any adult whose inner voice prompts him / her to follow Christ more closely may be baptized after making a notarized affidavit and undergoing instructions in the faith preferably by completing the RCIA course which begins in June and ends with the celebration of Easter. Registration for this course has to be done with the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, 4 Kane Road, Bandra, Mumbai 400 050.  Phone 26422556, 26431384.

 

• On completion of the RCIA course, and with permission from the Archbishop the RCIA candidates are usually baptized during the Easter vigil celebration and are also administered the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

 

• Catholic Parents who choose to share their faith with their children - These parents (both) have to undergo a four- session pre-baptismal course spread over two Sundays. The god-parents of the child to be baptized have to attend the course on the second Sunday.
   

The dates of the course will be announced one month before commencement and the venue is the parish school.

Enrollment for the course has to be made in the Church office at least two days before the commencement of the course.

There seems to be a growing tendency among mixed marriage or disparity of cult parents to let their children choose their religion when they grow to adulthood. Just as it is necessary for the parents to see that their children eat healthy food and get the best possible education so that they can grow to be responsible adults, so also bringing up the children with a sound spiritual foundation is also necessary for holistic growth. Hence the catholic party is encouraged to bring up their children in the catholic faith.

 

The practice at Our Lady of the Rosary Church is that children are baptized on Sunday during the 9.00 a.m. (Tamil mass) or 10.30 a.m. (English mass)

With prior permission it is also permitted to baptize a child outside the mass on Saturdays or Sundays time permitting.
 

Requirements for Baptism:

• On registration in the parish office with your marriage certificate and the certificate of completion of the pre-baptismal course you will be given a form which has to be filled and given to the minister of baptism on the day of baptism.

• A copy of the municipal birth certificate has to be submitted to the church when registering for baptism or latest on the day of baptism.

• On the day of baptism ensure that the parents, god-parents and child are present at least 15 minutes before the mass.

• Selection of god-parents is not for mere social  / material ends but essentially to support the parents in the child’s growth in faith.

• Please do not dress the child in the baptismal robe when coming for baptism. It is preferred that the child be dressed in a light dress.

• Photographers should maintain the sanctity of the place and not climb the steps to the Altar or move about so as to disturb the celebration of the Sacrament and congregation.

• The child has not to be kept on the Altar before or after the baptism as it is the sacrificial table for the Eucharistic celebration only.
   

Who can baptize?

“The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop, priests and deacons. In case of necessity, any person can baptize, if he has the required intention.”