Baptism

Baptism is the first of the Sacraments

It is through our Baptism that we are made members of the Church – the faith community – God’s family – ‘The people of God’.

Baptism is a special time in a person's life, when they join the family of God. Baptism shows that you recognise the importance of God in your life. The baby's baptism is just the start of a new life that will grow closer to one another in the family and closer to God.

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Sacraments



The signs and symbols of baptism

Water

Water nurtures and sustains life. In Baptism, water is used for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. It symbolises the gift of new life that comes to the child at baptism, and that the life of the risen Christ is ours

SIGN OF THE CROSS

The sign of the cross is the mark for Christians that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us. Parents and godparents trace the sign of the cross on the baby's head, to show that the baby belongs to Christ

Oils

Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby. Oil of Christm is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet smelling ointment) which is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These oils are blessed by the Bishop on Holy Thursday.

White Garment

This garment is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection

Candles

These symbolise Christ – the Light of the World. The Baptismal Candle is lit from the Paschal Candle. It reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child's life, and its flame symbolises the flame of faith which will burn throughout the life of the child

How do I go about applying to have my child baptised?

You may call into the Sacristy and speak to one of the priests or you can phone the parish number on (061) 455514. You will be asked the child's name, date of birth, and place of birth, address and phone number of your family.

We will also ask for the maiden name of the mother and the name of the father as well as the names of the Godparents. Other question may include if your child was baptised due to an emergency, for example in the hospital.

Baptismal Procedure

On the second Sunday of the month, the parents will be asked to present their children for baptism at 12.00 Mass. At this Mass the initial part of the baptism ceremony; the welcome at the door, the asking of the baby's name, the signing of the cross on the baby's forehead and the first of the anointing will take place.

Then on the following Sunday, the third of the month, the family will come after the 12.00 Mass for the baptism itself. The course for parents will take place on the Wednesday night before the second Sunday.