| The Catholic Church
leaches that the Sacrament of Baptism is the gateway
to each of the other six Sacraments and is necessary
for salvation, either by actual reception or at least
by desire. By it people are freed from sins, are born
again as children of God, and are brought into the Catholic
Faith. |
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| Information for parents asking
to have a child baptised. |
The parents of a child
who is to be baptised, and those who are undertaking
the office of sponsors, are to be suitably instructed
on the meaning of this most special sacrament, and the
obligations attaching to it. The parish priest is to
see to it that either he or others duly prepare the
parents, by means of pastoral advice, communal prayer,
bringing families together, and also, where possible,
by visitation. Parents are asked to have their child
baptised as soon as possible after birth. |
| During the ceremony of baptism water and
oil will be used. Water as a sign of cleansing and new
life, oil of catechumens and chrism for anointing - this
same oil of chrism will be used in the Sacrament of Confirmation,
which completes the Sacrament of Baptism. |
The parish priest
is instructed by the Code of Canon Law (c.868) to ensure
that there is a realistic hope that the child will be
brought up in the Catholic faith. If such hope is lacking
and parents and/or sponsors cannot make these commitments
the baptism should be deferred and the parents should
be advised of the reason for this. This can be an opportunity
for the priest to give pastoral counsel to the parents
and help them to understand the importance of baptism
and the necessity for the practice of faith. |
Before a Baptism takes
place parents are usually requested to attend a pre-Baptismal
preparation evening. There is no need to wait until
the baby arrives before attending the pre-baptismal
evening. After all, there will be a lengthy period of
waiting before the child is born! Great care should
be given to the choice of sponsor or godparent. This
person or persons should be willing and able to help
parents to hand on faith to the child and, therefore,
should be a practicing Catholic. Sponsors should be
over sixteen years of age. The mother or father of the
child cannot be a sponsor. |
Baptism should take
place in the parish in which the parents reside. If
it is to take place in another church then the local
parish priest should be asked for his permission. Normally,
baptisms should take place in a church or oratory. In
cases of necessity it can be administered in hospital.
Baptism usually takes place on a Sunday. |
| Parents should be aware of and consider
the following: |
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Choosing a Christian name for their
child. |
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At least one parent must be a practising Catholic. |
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Choosing at least one Godparent who is a practising
Catholic. |
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Other sponsors may be invited to participate as
Witnesses. |
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There must be a strong desire to bring the child
up in the Catholic faith. |
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The priest must be morally sure that parents will
hand on their faith. |
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Parents will be asked to provide their certificate
of marriage. |
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| Remember baptism brings a child into the
family of God: |
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It removes Original Sin. |
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It provides the basis for all other Sacraments. |
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It remains with a person for life. |
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It provides a constant source of grace or help
from God. |
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It requires a person to live the Christian way
of life. |
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A record of Baptism
is kept in the place of Baptism and some future Sacraments.
e.g. Confirmation, Marriage, are notified to the place
of Baptism. |
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| Adult Baptism |
Adults wishing to
be baptised are asked to follow a specific course of
preparation which usually begins in the autumn of each
year, culminating in Reception and Baptism the following
year during the Easter Vigil. This course of preparation
is called RCIA) The Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults. Adults wishing to enquire into the Catholic
Faith should consult with their local priest |
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