Baptism as a Sacrament

Having my daughter Gabriella Namubiru Grey baptized on Saturday 12th November 2022 at my parents’ Home was both an act of faith and a cultural affair. A great thanks to my wife Mrs. Catherine Nsubuga and Fr. Jude Makanga of Our Lady of Good Counsel Ggayazza.

Baptizing our child was a statement of trust in the goodness of our good Lord and our family activity that can be faith-filled. When a couple brings their little one home from the hospital, he or she is capable of very little. The baby does not talk, walk, eat, or brush his or her teeth.

Parents need to teach all these things over the course of many years. In broad terms, parents must introduce their sons or daughter to their cultural heritage and social customs so that they grow up to be well-adjusted. That’s the goal and the responsibility of the parents.

To fail regarding faith formation is a serious reneging of parental responsibility.

But not everyone appreciates that fact. Today, society has tried to make the practice of religion a private affair, and some even leave the choice of religion up to the individual. We are responsible for sharing our cultural heritage with our children, including our religious heritage.

Parents are not alone in this task. They have the help of the godparents as well as the entire faith community, for all share in the mission of passing on the faith.

This is not always an easy task. Children have free will. But that free will can lead to a child rejecting not only the faith training a parent might offer but the cultural training as well. In the end, the example offered and witnessed by the adult faith community often sinks into the child’s heart. There, with the grace of God, Catholic adults are truly formed.

I dedicate this article to all my readers, friends, and fans. If you ever think about baptizing your child, here are other practical tips to help you prepare for your event:

1. Choose godparents who practice the faith.

Remember, a christening initiates your child to your religion and godparents commit to raising your child in the faith. If you're a Catholic, don't get your best friend who is an agnostic, your boss who's a Buddhist, or your sister who converted to a born-again church. As much as possible, godparents should have received the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, and the Eucharist. Even better, choose those who will be good examples for your child.

2. Schedule your baby's baptism ahead of your church or parish.

There's normally a fee and they usually require a down payment when you reserve a day and time. They'll also ask for a copy of your child's birth certificate. In some churches, a seminar for godparents is even required. So, make sure to check in advance.

3. Prepare the things you need for the christening in advance.

- Candles - Prepare as many as the godparents you've chosen plus a few more for you and others who might want to hold them.

- Christening gown dress your baby in a nice outfit, white preferably. The christening gown will be used during the ceremony and will be put on top of her clothing during the baptism proper. This will be worn briefly, so you might want to borrow what your parents or siblings used for their babies so you can save on costs.

4. Prepare a little Party after the ceremony.

For others, this can be a lavish reception at a hotel or a Nyama - Choma. But keep in mind that the main thing is that your child is being welcomed into God's kingdom, so your celebration can be as simple as hot chocolate and food with your loved ones at home.

Oh well, my baby is a Christian now and that's what matters.

So, if you're planning your child's baptism soon, learn from me, and don't lump it with your other big-time events.