Baptism

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The Sacrament of Baptism

Please contact the Parish Office to arrange the baptism of your special child

Firstly, we want to congratulate you on the birth of your child. We also want to welcome this new born child into our Parish Community.


Parents are the first teachers of their child in the way of way. The Baptism preparation is an effort to help them in that role.


Your child's Baptism will be a special moment for you and your family. It will also be a special moment for our parish as we welcome your child into the Christian Community.

The Baptismal Service

  1. The Baptism celebration begins with the welcome of the child into the church. The Sign of the Cross is traded on the child's forehead to show that he/she belongs to Christ.
  2. We listen to the Word of God.
  3. We pray for the child and his/her family.
  4. The child is anointed with the Oil of Catechumens to give strength.
  5. The water of Baptism is blessed. Water is for cleansing. Water is also necessary for life.
  6. We renew our Baptismal promises.
  7. The child is blessed.
  8. The child is anointed with the Oil of Chrism to give strength to live as a friend of Jesus, and bring others to Jesus.
  9. The White Garment is a sign of Christian dignity.
  10. The Candle symbolises Christ as the light of the world.
  11. The child's mouth and ears are blessed.
  12. We conclude our celebration of Baptism by looking forward to the next Sacrament the child will celebrate - First Communion and Confirmation.
  13. We pray the Our Father - the prayer that unites all Christians.
  14. The Final Blessing of the newly Baptised child, the child's parents and the whole community who have gathered to celebrate the Baptism, is given.
  15. The Dismissal - we are all sent out to bring God's peace to our world.

    The Baptismal Candle. The candle may be used later in preparation services for First Communion and Confirmation.

  • Parents are to bring a separate White Garment.
  • The name that you give your child is important.
  • Sponsors should have reached the age of 16 years.
  • The extended family members are all welcome to participate in the Baptism ceremony.
  • A Blessing Sunday is arranged each year. This is for babies baptised during the previous 12 months, and we hope that you will be able to attend.

A Parent's Blessing

" When you were born Our hearts were so full of happiness. That there was no room in us for words."

"When you were growing Our hearts were so full of care for you That we spoke soothingly And sometimes sharply. Fearful for your safety, But always in the deepest places of our hearts We spoke lovingly. "

"Today, As we watch you Moving forward with your friends We marvel at all you have done And become Our spirits sing praise to God "

"For the gift that is you. And, though our hearts Have stretched to love others, Yet, there is still a place within us That is yours and only yours, Always. "

"For the light you have shone on us, For the life you have called us to, For the special gift of God You are now, and will ever be, Thank You "

Godparent’s Prayer

Lord, I thank you that [Name of Child] has become by Baptism a member of Your Church. May they grow in faith all the days of their life. Lord help me to carry out the responsibilities of Godparent that I have undertaken Amen.