Bela's Baptism at St. Michael's Church, Sharjah, UAE

There's a Catholic church in all of the seven emirates of UAE. In fact, there are two in Dubai. You can check it on this list here. 

All of them conduct the baptism sacrament. It is the parent's choice where to get their babies baptized. 

We are from Sharjah so naturally, we get Bela baptized at St. Michael's Church. It is the same church where Ferald and I got married in September 2003.

The parents and Godparents must be practicing Catholic for the child to be baptized. Before baptism, the parents of the child and Godparents must attend the baptism preparation seminar conducted by the church. You may check from the parish office the schedule of the baptism seminar. Registration is a must at least a day before. In Sharjah, the baptism seminar is held every second Monday of each month from 8-9 pm. A certificate will be given which is valid for a year and can be used in the future in case you have been invited to become Godparents of your family or friend's children.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR BAPTISM

Parents should submit the following documents to the Parish Office at least one week before baptism.

1. Copy of Birth Certificate of the Child (Official English Translation)
2. Copy of Passport and Visa of the parents and child
3. Copy of Catholic Marriage Certificate of the Parents (Civil Marriage not accepted)
4. Copy of Confirmation Certificate or Catholic Marriage Certificate of Godparents (Civil Marriage not accepted)
5. Parents/Godparents reside in Sharjah/Ajman - Parish Registration ID number
6. Parents/Godparents reside outside Sharjah/Ajman - Original No Objection Letter (NOC) from the concerned Parish Priest
7. Copy of Baptism Preparation Course Certificate of both Parents and Godparents

8. Parish registration number (please check the church website to register)

Baptism in St. Michael's Church, Sharjah is every Friday at 5 pm in the Main Hall

Bela was baptized last Friday, 30 September 2022 at nine months old. I know we waited long enough. Had it been in our country, she will be been baptized earlier just like what the priest advised, at least around three months of life.

"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." - St. Michael's Church

Welcome to the Christian world our little one.