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Organising a Baptism?
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A record of Baptism is kept in the Baptismal Register of the parish where the Baptism took place.
Future sacraments or Church commitments (such as Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Religious Profession) are notified to the place of Baptism.
This is an important historical archive in every parish.
BAPTISING ADULTS
Often a person who was not baptised Christian as a child will come to faith over a long period. At some point they might feel ready to ask to be baptised and become a Catholic. This is often a brave step taken only after much thought, and our response is always to support and encourage someone as they prepare for this great step.
In the Catholic Church, adults are baptised as part of a process called the Rite of Christians Initiation of Adults (or RCIA for short). This restores an ancient practice in the Church of guiding people into the life of the Church through training in prayer, knowledge of Church teaching, exploration of Church practices and beliefs, and ongoing support after the sacraments are received.
In keeping with this ancient practice, this journey reaches its climax at the Easter Vigil ceremony, on Easter night, when the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) are celebrated for the person.
For more about this process and how it works in our parish, visit the RCIA page.
Baptism
Baptism is sometimes called 'the gateway to the sacraments', since by baptism we enter into the Church and begin our journey in the life of Christ. We take on the name of 'Christian'. We are adopted as children of God, through the only Son, and are privileged to be able to call God our Father.
In this parish, the Sacrament of Baptism for infants (or children of pre-school age) is usually administered on a Sunday after the 12 noon Mass. The parents present the child to the Church and make a commitment to bring him or her up in the Catholic faith. Family attend as a sign of their desire to welcome the (often new-born) child into the bosom of the extended family and to affirm their desire to share the process of teaching the child about God and about Jesus.
ORGANISING A BAPTISM
Before a Baptism takes place parents are requested to attend a preparation evening, to explore various aspects of the sacrament, to reflect on the commitments implied in requesting Baptism and to look at the Rite itself. There is no need to wait until the baby arrives before attending this pre-baptismal evening; indeed, even if no date has been set for the celebration, parents might opt to begin their reflection early.
Several points are worth considering when requesting Baptism in the Church:
1. Choosing a Christian name for the child.
2. At least one parent must be a practising Catholic.
3. Choosing at least one Godparent who is a practising Catholic
4. Other sponsors may be invited to participate as Witnesses.
5. There must be a strong desire to bring the child up in the Catholic faith.
6. The priest must be morally sure that parents will hand on their faith.
In cases where parents and/or sponsors cannot make these commitments the Baptism may be best deferred until a more appropriate time. The priest will provide counsel to parents in all such circumstances.
ABOUT BAPTISM
Baptism:
* brings a child into the family of God
* removes Original Sin
* provides the basis for all other Sacraments
* remains with a person for life
* provides a constant source of grace or help from God
* requires a person to live the Christian way of life.
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