Baptism Preparations
Parents who wish to request Baptism for their children are asked to contact Fr. Maguire, Fr. Bord or Fr Williams and arrange to attend a baptism preparation course (see list of courses on the Notice Board at the back of the church).
Parents must attend Baptismal Preparation Courses of 2 sessions, each lasting about an hour. These courses are run every 6 weeks and cover the meaning of Baptism and the responsibilities of parents and godparents. If you have attended a Baptism course within the last three years then speak to one of the priests and he will discuss with you what needs to be done. Courses are announced in the Parish Newsletter.
Why Should We Baptise Our Baby?
Baptism is now often celebrated for the infant children of members of the Church, on the strength of their parents’ faith and with the expectation that that faith will be passed on to them by their Parents:
“Parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of Faith; May they also be the best of teachers” (Rite of Infant Baptism).
Adults interested in being Baptised and Confirmed into the Catholic Church should start by joining the regular Sunday congregation, and then talking to the parish priest about how they might proceed. Please view how to become a Catholic.
Older children over ‘the age of reason’ (8yrs) but not yet reached the age of majority (18yrs) should make an appointment, with their parents, to talk to the parish priest.
- Celebrating Baptism is a chance for all the family to get together, to celebrate and to thank God for the new life which He has given.
- It is a time to remember that your baby is a part of God’s family as well as part of a human family.
- Jesus told his disciples to baptize people who wanted to become Christians, and to join the Church.
- Baptism is the ‘gateway to the Sacraments’; it is the opening to life in Christ. From Baptism we receive the grace and opportunity to grow in knowledge and love of God through his Word Jesus Christ teaching us in the Scriptures, and his Spirit helping us to recognise and realise his saving touch in Jesus in the celebration of the other sacraments.
- Baptism is NOT an insurance policy to ensure that your child goes to heaven, but it encourages them to be open to God and to know of his love for them.
- Baptism is also NOT an insurance policy to ensure a child will be accepted into our schools.
What do I need to know prior to the service?
Most of your questions will be covered in the Baptism Preparation programme which is obligatory for the parents to undertake. The preparation only has to be completed once, we record who has attended past preparations. During the preparation you will be given an outline of the Baptism service, aspects for consideration, and some insight into the commitment you are undertaking for your child. Failure to attend preparation will result in the Baptism being postponed.
How do I join the Parish Preparation for Parents? Please contact one of the priests and he will give you dates of when the preparation courses.
