ADULT BAPTISM

Normal Baptism Course
If you are an adult who has not been baptized a Christian, but are thinking about becoming a Catholic, then the first step is to go to the local church and ask how they go about receiving people into the Church. Most churches are delighted to welcome new people into their church.

You will probably be asked to participate in instructions or a basic catechism course. Sometimes the priest does this himself or assigns you to a catechist you are comfortable with; some churches have a program  to prepare people for baptism. These instructions covers basic catechism teachings of the catholic church.(about 3-9 months).

Committing your life to God
Baptism is the sacrament in which we commit ourselves to God. We proclaim our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we promise to avoid evil and to do good.

The baptism ceremony for adults is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of Godparents adults have sponsors whose role is to encourage you in the catholic faith.

Traditionally adult baptisms take place during the ceremony of the Easter Vigil or Christmas. In some parishes, therefore, you might be asked to wait for Easter or Christmas for Baptism. The priest or catechist will usually schedule the course to start and end thereon.

Baptism for the dying or near death
Notwithstanding  for the above, a person at death bed and expresses his or her wishes to accept Christ as his or her Savior  and wishes to be baptized, the priest may then perform the Baptism rites together with the last rites; foregoing the above normal course.

Joining the Community
When you ask for Baptism you are asking to become a member of the Catholic Church. You will be expected to take part in the life of that community on a regular basis.