The Sacrament
of Baptism - Firstly, we want to congratulate
you on the birth of your child. We also want to welcome
this new born child into our Parish Community.
Parents are the first teachers of their
child in the ways of the faith. The Baptism preparation is
an effort to help them in that role.
Your child's Baptism will be a special
moment for you and your family. It will also be a
special moment for our parish as we welcome your child
into the Christian Community.
The Baptismal Service
1. The Baptism celebration
begins with the welcome of the child into the church.
The Sign of the Cross is traced on the child's forehead
to show that he/she belongs to Christ.
2.
We listen to the Word of God
3. We pray for the child and his/her family.
4. The child is anointed with the Oil of Catechumens
to give strength.
5. The water of Baptism is blessed. Water is for cleansing.
Water is also necessary for life.
6. We renew our Baptismal promises.
7. The child is blessed.
8. The child is anointed with the Oil of Chrism to
give strength to live as a friend of Jesus, and bring
others to Jesus.
9. The White Garment is a sign of Christian dignity.
10. The Candle symbolises Christ as the light of the
world.
11. The child's mouth and ears are blessed.
12. We conclude our celebration of Baptism by looking
forward to the next Sacrament the child will celebrate
- First Communion and Confirmation.
13. We pray the Our Father - the prayer that unites
all Christians.
14. The Final Blessing of the newly Baptised child,
the child's parents and the whole community who have
gathered to celebrate the Baptism, is given.
15. The Dismissal - we are all sent out to bring God's
peace to our world.
Things to Note:
A
Parent's Blessing
When you were born
Our hearts were so full of happiness
That there was no room in us for words.
When you were growing
Our hearts were so full of care for you
That we spoke soothingly
And sometimes sharply.
Fearful for your safety,
But always in the deepest places of our hearts
We spoke lovingly.
Today,
As we watch you
Moving forward with your friends
We marvel at all you have done
And become
Our spirits sing praise to God
For the gift that is you.
And, though our hearts
Have stretched to love others,
Yet, there is still a place within us
That is yours and only yours,
Always.
For the light you have
shone on us,
For the life you have called us to,
For the special gift of God
You are now, and will ever be,
Thank You
