Baptism
Come and receive your baptism with us
“I baptise you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Mathew 3: 11
For Catholics, baptism is the sacrament of salvation and the door to all other sacraments. As such, the Catholic Church sees baptism as the first and basic sacrament of Christian initiation. “The person is baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
As Catholics, we recognise baptism as entry to be welcomed into God’s family. Through Baptism we not only become part of a visible organisation called the Church, but also part of a living organism, the Risen Body of Christ. The sacrament of Baptism marks the beginning of our life of faith. By being baptised, we are welcomed into God’s family and begin the journey of getting to know and understand the meaning of God’s love.
Anyone of any age can be baptised. We baptise infants, children and adults who desire baptism and are practicing members of our Parish or whom live within our Parish boundary.
If you are interested in having your child baptised, or would like to be baptised yourself, please contact the Parish Office.
What happens at a baptism?
Welcome
Words of welcome are exchanged. The names that have been chosen for Baptism are announced and the parent’s desire to have their child baptised is expressed.
The Word
Everyone present listens to the Word of God (Readings from Sacred Scripture).
Oil of Catechumens
To prepare for Baptism, the candidate is anointed with the Oil of Catechumens as a sign of Christ’s protective power.
Vows
All present renew their own baptismal vows. Therefore, all godparents need to be Christian with at least one of them baptised, practising catholic.
Water
The Baptism takes place as the priest pours holy water over the forehead three times as he says the words of Baptism.
Oil of Chrism
The newly baptised are then anointed with Sacred Chrism as a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Like Christ, the one baptised is now an “anointed one”.
White Clothing
As a sign of being a new creation clothed in Christ, the one who has been baptised is now covered with a white cloth.
Candle
As a sign of the light of Christ now present in the newly baptised, a candle is presented and lit from the paschal or Easter candle.
Blessing
Final prayers and a blessing are given so that all present may love and serve the Lord in peace and goodwill.