When you bring your child for Baptism, we thank God for the gift of new life which he has given to you in your child. It is a time of joy and happiness as you accompany your child on the journey of life, helping the child to grow in mind and body, soul and spirit. You have no doubt been thinking of a name. We recommend a Christian name or names i.e. of a saint or of a person in the Bible.

Godparents (sponsors) are chosen to help you and your child by their prayers and by the example of their faith. They will share their love of God with your child.

In Baptism your child becomes a child of God, a follower of Christ and a member of the Church, the Christian Community. It is the beginning of the journey of life; it is also the beginning of the journey of faith. Please God. you will have the joy of being with your child on First Communion Day and also on Confirmation Day when the fullness of God’s Spirit is given.

The Symbols of Baptism

The Sign of the Cross —the great Christian symbol —is made on the child’s forehead.

Water —your child is baptised in water, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Oil of Baptism and the Oil of Chrism—your child is anointed with these holy oils, a sign of God’s Spirit which the child receives in Baptism.

The Christening Shawl—a symbol of the child’s dignity as a member of the Christian Community.

The child’s candle—is lit from the Easter Candle which represents Christ, the light of the world. This is a sign that the parents and godparents are promising to pass on the light of Christ, the Christian faith, to their child.

The Word of God —is read. For example. Mark 1:9-l 1

Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John. No

sooner had he come out of the water than he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit,

like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the

Beloved, my favour rests on you.’

(This is what God is saying to your child at Baptism—you are my child and I love you)

 

The Ceremony

The Ceremony of Baptism takes place at St Joseph’s Church on Saturdays fron 4pm. And there is a preparation meeting for the parents by appointment. Please bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate to that meeting. At least two weeks’ notice is requested.

Céad míle fáilte to you and your child and the extended family. We look forward to welcoming your child into the Christian Community.