Welcoming your child into the Christian community
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19
Congratulations on Your New Baby
Congratulations on the birth of your child! The Parish Community shares in your joy. Thank you for wanting to have your baby join the family of the Church through Baptism.
Every parent wants the best for their child. The birth of a baby causes us to pause and reflect on what we hope for this new life entrusted to us. For Christians, this hope is expressed in baptism and the invitation it offers the child to share in the life and Spirit of God.
God also wants the best for every one of us and this desire is shown in the life and words of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, for Christians, the arrival of a new baby means a baptism.
The Meaning of Baptism
- Baptism welcomes the child into the family of God following the instruction of Jesus Christ to go and Baptise in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
- Offers the public naming of your child for all to hear.
- Offers the recognition of chosen adults as godparents.
- Offers friends, family and the wider community a chance to welcome the new arrival and voice their support for the family.
- At the heart of baptism is the initiation into the Christian community – the Church. To be baptised is to become a Christian and experience, for life, both the blessings and the responsibilities of that commitment.
Signs & Symbols of Baptism
Sign of the Cross
A sign on something shows its origins or ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians for Jesus Christ died on the cross. Parents and godparents trace it on the child’s forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life.
Water
This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin with which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours.
Oils
Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the fight ahead. Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of your child at baptism will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation when Oil of Chrism will be used again. The oils are blessed by the bishop around the time of Holy Thursday.
White Garment
This garment (usually a white shawl) is a relic of the new clothes worn by Christians after baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection.
Candle
These symbolise Christ – the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle, which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child’s life; and its flame symbolises the flame of faith which will burn through the life of your child.
Baptismal Register
Your baby’s baptism will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. In the years ahead proof of baptism may be obtained in form of a certificate issued on the basis of this registration. Your child’s confirmation, marriage or ordination will also be noted alongside this entry in the register.
A Journey of Faith
Your Faith is Important
Your most important preparation is to look at your own faith. Your baby will be born with your features and will pick up your mannerisms. As he or she gets older your child will grow up, too, with your faith. That is why, when you approach the church about having your child baptised you will be encouraged to think through your own faith and the part it plays in your life. The very fact that you have asked to have your baby baptised shows that you recognise the importance of God in your life. From the earliest days children too young to answer for themselves have been baptised, usually as they accompanied their parents into the Church. For the church recognises the desire of Christian parents to share the life of Christ with their children. Jesus Christ, like you, wants the best for your child.
Growing in God’s Love
Your efforts will not only help your baby to grow up in the love of God: they will also help you to grow. As you teach your child to pray you yourself will deepen your prayer; as you teach your child to appreciate the Mass your own faith will be enriched. Your baby’s baptism is only the beginning of a new life in which you will grow closer to one another in the family and closer to God. The Church welcomes your child into its midst with love and prayers for the future peace and happiness of your family in the years ahead.
A Time for Celebration and Joy
Your baby’s baptism is a time for celebration and joy. And, naturally, you want the best for your baby. We want to help you plan and prepare for the baptism in the best possible way. For baptism is a birth into the Christian community and is in every way as solemn and important as birth itself. It’s an event that needs to be prepared for.
Preparation & Arrangements
1
Contact the Parish Office
To allow for preparation for your child’s baptism, parents are asked to give one month’s notice to the Parish Office. Contact Anne on 046 907 2805 to arrange a date and receive a Baptism Registration Form.
2
Baptism Preparation Visit
Since Baptism is not merely a naming ceremony for your child, but rather a welcoming of each new Christian into our parish community, these are very much community celebrations. We have a team of Baptism Friends who visit each family in their own home to help them to prepare for the big day. They will help your family to become familiar with the ceremony itself, with what is expected of you; they will explain the practicalities of the day, and answer any questions that might arise.
3
Choose Your Godparents
Select suitable godparents who will support your child’s faith journey. Godparents must be confirmed Catholics in good standing, aged 16 or over.
4
Gather Required Documents
Bring a photocopy of the child’s Birth Certificate along with photographic identification to the Parish Office when collecting your registration form.
5
The Baptism Day
The Baptism Friends will also be present at the Baptism, welcoming each child on behalf of the parish community. The Church welcomes your child into its midst with love and prayers for the future peace and happiness of your family.
Requirements
- At least one parent must be Catholic
- Parents must agree to raise the child in the Catholic faith
- Godparents must be confirmed Catholics in good standing, aged 16 or over
- Parents must participate in a Baptism preparation visit
- One month’s notice required
Documents Required
- Child’s Birth Certificate (photocopy)
- Photographic identification of parents
- Baptism Registration Form (from Parish Office)
- Godparent Eligibility Forms
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Get in Touch
To book your child’s Baptism please contact the Parish Office. The parents will be asked to collect a Baptismal Registration Form and bring a photocopy of the child’s Birth Certificate along with photographic identification.