Baptisms

Call to the Church, mon-Fri

Also 9.30 a.m. to 10.30a.m

Sat 7p.m. Sun 10.30a.m. and 12 noon.

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When the parents come to the Church to book the baby's christening - they are welcomed, presented with a souvenir card and taken on a Baptism Tour in the Church by the lay leader. This helps the parents to enjoy the 'big day' more relaxed and happy. The Tour begins at the Open Door of the Church. The Open door is a sign of God's welcome. The Good Lord who makes the sun shine on all.

The leader explains that all the signs and actions in the ceremony are expressions of God's love for people and the leader shows how the baby is touched with the blessing and welcome by the parents and god parents at the 'naming' time. Then there is the procession to the Baptism Font and altar. The baby is carried by the hands of others so God blesses us in life through the hands of others and the community. The Bible Book is shown to the parents. It is full of God's pictures and stories of God's love for his people. A love story is read at the baby christening. Next the perfume oils are shown which will bless the heart and forehead of each child. It is God's way of saying that you are my delight. You are my chosen lovely one.

The Baptism Font with flowing water is like a womb of life and a symbol of God's Spirit. After the blessing with water of each child into the family of God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, there is the Christ Candle celebration. The parent rehearses the Christ Candle celebration and is presented with a souvenir card which reads - See the Christ Candle alight. The nail marks, colours and flame mean the Risen Christ. See the child's Baptism candle. The parent lights this candle when the priest presents the Lighted Christ Candle at the Baptism. Taking the light the parent promises to tell the story of Jesus Christ to the child.

The a white cap or shawl is put on the baby's head. It is the sign of God's protection and guardian angel. The baby has come a long way - from Heaven with the company of an angel for life. The leader concludes the Tour with a prayer - May God the Father bless the child in the journey of life. Amen. May God the Son, Jesus Christ be a model and inspiration. Amen. May God, the Holy Spirit be welcomed to this child's heart. Amen.

At Baptism Time the parents are presented with a Souvenir Card which suggests ways of helping their child to pray when they decide to introduce the Child to Church and Mass.