GROWING TOGETHER

We are committed to giving parents, the first educators in the faith, the tools to help them raise their children in the faith, and godparents an understanding of how to support the parents in this task.

A child, through the Sacrament of Baptism, will become a member of the family of God on earth, the Church. By Baptism a child becomes a member of the parish. Through the grace of this sacrament the child will share in the very life of God Himself. This life is increased by the reception of the sacraments, especially Holy Communion, and by regular prayer.

The words of the ceremony are addressed to the parents, who ask for Baptism for their child and who are responsible for bringing up their children as good Catholics. They will do this mainly by the example of their own lives, by teaching them their prayers, and by going to Holy Communion with them.

Baptisms take place on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 1.00pm. Please contact the parish office to arrange a date for baptism and to complete a Registration Form.

A short pre-baptism meeting with parents and godparents is held on the previous Tuesday at 7:45 pm

 2 Weeks' notice is required - contact Parish Office at 01-2832988

Choosing the Godparents

Godparents have an essential role in the lives of those receiving the Sacrament of Baptism. 

To be a godparent, the person must be a fully initiated Catholic, one who is baptised and has received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. In order to be of sufficient maturity and capacity, the godparent must be at least 16 years of age. And very importantly, it should be a person "who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on" or, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, the godparents "must be firm believers."

According to the Catechism, the godparents must be "able and ready to help the newly baptised ... on the road of Christian life." "Able and ready" means someone who is eager to serve, who will joyfully embrace the role and who can be available to have regular contact with the child.

There may be one or two godparents: one male sponsor, the godfather; or one female sponsor, the godmother; or one of each. 

For more information please check the canon law

IMMERSION: 

Water flows over the entire child placed in a sitting position in the baptismal font. This option is available only for children up to two months old.

POURING: As the parents hold their child over the baptismal font, water pours over only the child's head. This option is available for all infants and children.

Each child needs a new baptismal candle (available at the Sacristy) that can be kept as a memento, used on Birthday celebrations, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. It is expected that you make a donation to the Church on the occasion of Baptism.

We expect to be able to broadcast baptism ceremonies on the second Sunday of each month on the live web which will enable family and friends who cannot attend to view.