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baptism
CONTENTS
ABOUT
“Holy 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. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission” (CCC 1213, see also Mathew 28:19, John 3:5, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 2:38-39)
Catholic parents have a serious obligation to have their children baptized. "Baptism, which is necessary for salvation, is the sign and the means of God's love, which frees us from original sin and gives us a share in divine life. The gift of these blessings to infants must not be delayed."
ADULT BAPTISM
For adults who wish to be baptized, click here for more details.
CHILDREN'S BAPTISM
We welcome you to baptize your child at St. Joseph Cathedral. Children can be baptized at any time after birth, and baptisms take place throughout the year. It is not recommended that the baptism of children be delayed (e.g. until the first or second birthday) without a serious reason.
In order for a child to be baptized at St. Joseph Cathedral:- Parents and godparents should attend a Baptism Seminar. It is encouraged to attend the Seminar as early as possible - even before the birth of the child. You can register for the St. Joseph Online Baptism Seminar by clicking the links below.
- Parents should book the Baptism ceremony with the Parish Office. At any time after receiving the Seminar certificate or notice of successful completion, parents can book their child's Baptism by submitting the documents listed below to the Parish Office. The date of Baptism can be fixed at that time.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Register for Baptism Seminar
The Baptism Seminar is currently held online. Links for the online videos and responses are sent on the 1st Wednesday of the month to parents and Godparents who have registered. There are no requirements necessary for registration.
To register, click the appropriate button.
REGISTRATION FOR the parents
Registration for the Godparents
Documents Required in order to book the Baptism Ceremony
(21 Days prior to Baptism, usually after completing Baptism Seminar)- Photocopy/ Scan of the Church Marriage Certificate of the parents. If not married in the church, please call in advance to speak with a priest
- Photocopy/ Scan of Birth Certificate of the child
- Baptism Seminar Certificate for parents and godparents.
N.B. Due to high number of participants, current processing time for Online Seminar certificates is 12 days from the beginning of the Online Seminar. - Photocopy/Scan of proof that Godfather and Godmother have received the Sacrament of Confirmation (e.g. Confirmation Certificate)
- Parents and godparents from other parishes require a 'no objection letter from their parish priest.
N.B. Those living in Abu Dhabi city are regarded as belonging to St. Joseph parish.
Note:
- All required documents can be submitted to the parish office in hard copy, or sent by email to abuparish@yahoo.com. Please send all required documents in a single email with subject "Baptism of (name of child)".
- Please note:
- Godparents must be baptized and confirmed Catholics and there must be at least one Godparent
Additional Requirements (From the Government Department of Community Development)
To be submitted via email to abuparish@yahoo.com
- Copy of passport, visa and Emirates ID of each person (including child, if available) who will be present at the Baptism ceremony.
Note:- Emirates ID copy should be back and front on one page for each person.
- Current government regulations restrict attendance to parents and only 2 godparents (one male, one female). If at least one godparent is not available, you can bring a proxy.
- The request for a baptism ceremony will be rejected if the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development does not receive these documents from the parish at least 10 working days in advance of the baptism ceremony.