"You are a child of God, you are wonderfully made"
The Sacrament of Baptism
Congratulations on the birth of your child!
As a Parish Community, we are delighted to share your joy.
Thank you for wanting to have your baby join the family of the Church through Baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism celebrates with joy the Original Blessings of your baby born in the image and likeness of God. It also welcomes your baby into the parish faith community where we hope your child will grow in the ways of the faith.
To allow for the preparation for your child’s baptism, please make contact with Fr. Eamonn, mobile:
0872236145
and collect a form and some information in relation to having your child baptised. This booking form provides the necessary information for our Register.
You can’t accomplish or work up to union with God, because you’ve already got it.
“Before the world began you were chosen, chosen in Christ to live through love in his presence” (Ephesians 1:4). You cannot ever become worthy or “perfect” by yourself; you can only reconnect to your Infinite Source. The biblical revelation is about awakening, not accomplishing. It is about realization, not performance. You cannot get there; you can only be there. Only the humble can receive it and surrender to such grace.
Fr Richard Rohr
The Signs and Symbols of Baptism
Baptism is rich in signs and symbols. It celebrates ‘the original blessing of your baby full of grace and beauty, created in the ‘image and likeness of God’. We celebrate this sacrament together with great joy and thanksgiving. May you, as parents, be enriched by this Sacramental celebration.
MAY THESE SHORT EXPLANATIONS OPEN UP FOR YOU
THE RICHNESS AND BEAUTY OF THIS SACRAMENT
Sign of the Cross
The sign of the Cross is the most beautiful and powerful blessing. When we bless ourselves, or another (your baby). We enter into the presence and under the protection of the Father who created us in his image and likeness. Into the presence of Jesus, whose Light shines within us, who walks with us as companion and friend. And the Holy spirit ‘the breath of life’ the loving energy of God. We finish with Amen. Let it be.
Parents and godparents make this sign, full of rich blessings on the child’s forehead to show that the baby is enfolded in Christ’s love, who now offers His help and grace to enable the baptised person to know and appreciate God’s presence and love throughout their lives.
The Word of God
As the prophet Isaiah (55:11) says to us: “The word that goes forth from my mouth does not return to me empty, without fulfilling what it is meant to do”. Again from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians (3:16): ‘Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God’.
Click on this link to view Baptism Readings:
Water
Water is a sign of the Holy Spirit.
In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is referred to as “Living Water” and the “Water of Life”
Jesus says to the Samaritan woman; “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water” (John 4:10).
Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. ‘He who believes in Me’, as the Scriptures said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ Jesus spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive. (John 7:37 –39,)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, item 1137, considers it "one of most beautiful symbols of the Holy Spirit".
Oils
The Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes use to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the challenge ahead. The Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and it is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is sign of sealing the baby with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said; ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free’ (Luke 4:18). Your baby is anointed with the dignity of priest, prophet and king.
The profession of faith, which you make on behalf of your child at baptism, will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation, when the Oil of Chrism will be used again. The bishop blesses these oils during Holy Week.
White Garment
This garment (usually a white shawl) is placed around the baby - St. Paul likened it to putting on of Christ. – It is a symbol of being held or enfolded in the grace of Christ. Wrapped in unconditional love.
Candle
This candle symbolises Christ – the Light of the World.
The baptismal candle is lit form the paschal candle, which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the Light of Christ has entered the child’s life; and its flame symbolises the flame and light of faith, which will burn through the life of your child.
Baptismal Register
Your baby’s baptism will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. In the years ahead proof of baptism may be obtained in form of a certificate issued on the basis of this registration. Your child’s marriage or ordination will also be noted alongside this entry in the register.
