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BAPTISM

The Sacrament of 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. Through Baptism we are freed from original sin and re-born as adopted sons and daughters of God. We become members of Christ, a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that we may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9). Baptism is aptly called by the Church, the Sacrament of Regeneration through Water and the Word.

Baptism of Infants

Infants are baptised at the request of their parents who consciously wish to share their faith with their children. The parents must understand that Almighty God holds them responsible for the Christian upbringing of the baptised infant. They will acknowledge how the child’s first school is the home where they will endeavour to set a pattern of true Catholic living, and in particular, they will acknowledge their duty to promote family prayer and to be faithful to their Sunday Mass obligation.

Baptisms are administered in this Parish as arranged
At 11.30 am on the 1st and 3rd and Sundays of the month.

Godparents: Assist the parents with the Catholic upbringing of the baptised child; the following requirements must be followed.

Godparents must:

1. Be sufficiently mature to undertake the responsibility.
2. Be a member of the Catholic Church.
3. Have received Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

It is expected; moreover that they be practising Catholics as they have the duty to be a true example of Catholic life for the growing child.

Christian Witness:
A baptised and believing Christian from a separated church or community, may act as a Godparent or Christian Witness along with a Catholic Godparent. Such a person would offer to help the child grow in the faith of Christ in whatever way he/she could.

Please note well:

• Except in cases of emergency there must be at least ONE GODPARENT.
• It is desirable that normally there are TWO GODPARENTS.
• The name given to the child at Baptism is the name the child bears in the Church. It can be the name of a saint or it can express a Christian mystery or virtue. However it should not be a name foreign to Christian sentiment.

Who must be present at the Baptism?

Both parents if they are Catholics must be present unless extreme circumstances prevent one of them from attending.
Both Godparents must be present, unless they have approved a proxy to be present in their stead.
Family members, as many as possible may be present at the ceremony.

In the celebration of Baptism, the father and mother have special parts to play. They listen to the words addressed to them by the celebrant, they join in prayer along with the congregation, and they exercise a special function when:

1. They publicly ask that the child be baptised.
2. They sign their child with the sign of the cross after the celebrant.
3. They renounce Satan and make their profession of faith.
4. They (especially the mother) carry the child to the font.
5. They hold the lighted candle.
6. They are blessed with the special prayers for the mothers and fathers.

Baptism of children of catechetical age (7 years or over)

Before these children are baptised they undergo a period of instruction in the truths held and taught by the Catholic Church. This period will depend upon the understanding of the child. Usually this instruction would be part of the Parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) programme.

Baptism of Adults

Candidates for adult Baptism are prepared through the Parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) programme. This process usually takes one year and the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion) are administered as part of the Easter Vigil ceremonies on Holy Saturday night.