Congratulations on your new baby

The Catholic community of St. Dominic’s parish is very pleased to welcome your child into the Christian family. The sacrament of baptism is an action of Jesus Christ whereby your child becomes a member of his Church. The baptism of your child is a happy occasion for you and your child. It is also a day of celebration for our parish and the whole church. When Pope John Paul II was asked what was the most important day in his life, he replied: ‘the day I was baptised’. Baptism is a highly significant moment in the life of every Christian. It marks the beginning of your child’s journey in faith.  The decision to baptise your child carries with it responsibilities that last long after the celebration is over. Baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ for your child. It is our prayer that this life will grow and flourish in the years ahead. The seed of faith needs to be cultivated in order to grow. We have a wonderful team who assist the priest at baptism. This team welcomes the child at the door of the Church and ask for the Childs name, and all present place the sign of the Child’s forehead. This is the first time the Child will be presented to the Christian Community. Each child is presented with a white gown to represent been equal in Gods eyes.

Baptism Dates and Arrangements

Baptism takes place on the second Sunday of each month.

Booking Your Child’s Ceremony

To have your child baptised in St Dominic’s we need you  to book through the Parish office with at least a moths notice. When coming to book your child’s baptism please bring with you a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

Baptism Preparation

There is a meeting held on the Tuesday evening prior to the Baptism. Parents and Godparents MUST attend.

Your Baby’s Baptism

Your child’s baptism is a time of celebration and joy. Naturally, you want the best for your child. We want to help you plan and prepare for the Baptism in the best possible way…

An important Question…An important Question…An important Question…

Why have you requested baptism for your child in the Church? There may be many reasons…       Seems to be the thing to do? Someone else in the family wants it? It’s on my “to do” list? I’m afraid something might happen my child? It’s a significant step that starts the faith journey?

How the Church sees Baptism

The Church sees Baptism as the first important step on the Christian journey. On the day your child was born, he/she was welcomed into their family. On the day of baptism they are welcomed into the bigger family of the Lord, the Church. In baptism we enter into a unique and special relationship with the person of Jesus Christ and we try to live out that relationship in and through the people around us.   Or put another way … In Baptism we become

• A son/daughter of God the Father
• A brother/sister of Jesus Christ
• A temple of the Holy Spirit
• A member of God’s family, the Church.

The Symbols Used in the Baptism Ceremony…

The Sign of the Cross: A stamp or imprint on something is a sign of its origin or ownership. The sign of the cross which we make at the beginning of the ceremony on the child’s forehead, claims him/her for Christ. Oils: In the Celebration of Baptism TWO different oils are used;

1. The Oil of catechumens – The child is anointed on the chest with this oil as a sign that the Lord is giving them strength for the Christian journey they are beginning.
2. The Oil of Chrism – A very sacred oil, which the child is anointed with on the top of the head. Oil is used to anoint kings and monarchs, it sets people aside for a mission. We are set aside for the Christian mission on the day we are baptised.

Profession of Faith: YOU have requested baptism for your child. In doing this YOU ARE MAKING A COMMITMENT to bringing up your child in the faith. – We promise to live by Christian values and pass on those values to our child. We promise to bring our child to Mass and the Sacraments, for this is what it means to belong to the Christian family. Therefore we profess the faith that we promise, before the community gathered, to pass onto our child. We pray for the grace to live as good Christian witnesses before our child. Water: Water is essential for life! In Baptism, water symbolises the new life we receive in Christ. Just as we nurture and care for a plant or shrub, in order for it to live a healthy life, we too must nurture and care for our faith in order for it to grow healthy and strong. Baptism Robe/Shawl: The White Robe is a symbol of Christ. After they were baptised, the early Christians used to clothe themselves in white garments to show that they had “put on Christ”. In the same way, the child, during the baptism ceremony, is clothed in the white shawl to show that they are “clothed in Christ” or “wrapped up” in the love of Christ! The Baptism Candle: The large Easter Candle (or Pascal Candle) is lit for the Baptism ceremony. This light symbolises Christ, the Risen Lord, who overcame the cross and rose to new life. It is a symbol of hope! A smaller Baptism Candle is lit from the Easter Candle. This light, love and hope of Jesus is being passed on to the new Christian through YOU the parents.

AFTER THE BAPTISM CEREMONY…

As your child grows it is important to pray with them, share some bible stories (maybe purchase a Children’s Bible), visit the Church to light a candle for someone who is sick, attend Mass…etc. We pray God’s Blessing upon you in the challenge ahead of bringing up your child in the faith….

Registration of Baptism

The parish records the baptism of your child in the Baptismal Register of the parish. This record includes the full names of the child, parents and godparents, the child’s date of birth, the date of the baptism and the name of the officiating priest or deacon. A Ceritificate of Baptism can be issued by the Sacristy as and when required.