Baptism
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WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM?
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." Through Baptism a person is welcomed into the Church community. The person – infant, child or adult – through the waters of Baptism enters more deeply into the life of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He or she is dedicated to God and all that is good. The bond of Baptism binds a person to God forever; the bond is unbreakable and unrepeatable. |
INFANT BAPTISM
The usual church for Baptism is the parish church of the family whose baby is to be baptised. Contact should be made with the Parish Priest to arrange for the baptismal preparation and a suitable date for the baptism.
Most parishes offer baptismal preparation and the opportunity to meet parishioners and other families with children for baptism. This enables those seeking baptism to feel part of the parish community and heightens the significance of the baptism being celebrated in the local parish community.
Where for some good reason, the family is seeking to celebrate the baptism outside their parish church, the permission of their parish priest needs to be obtained and given to the celebrant of the baptism.
Godparents share in the responsibility with the parents, of introducing to, instructing in, supporting and forming the Catholic faith in their godchildren. For this reason, parents need to take great care in choosing godparents and take into account in their choice the commitment to and practice of the Catholic faith and preparedness of the godparents to be involved in the faith development of the child for whom they are accepting this responsibility. Because of the importance of the godparents’ role as a model and mentor of the Catholic faith they must be Catholics. Provision is made for further support by non-Catholics through the role of Witnesses of Faith who stand with the godparents.
Usually there are several babies baptised at the one ceremony to symbolise that each baby is joining the universal Church, which is made up of over a billion people. In fact, the gathered community is also a symbol of the Church. The priest says to each child, calling him or her by name, ‘The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our saviour by the sign of the cross.’
The usual church for Baptism is the parish church of the family whose baby is to be baptised. Contact should be made with the Parish Priest to arrange for the baptismal preparation and a suitable date for the baptism.
Most parishes offer baptismal preparation and the opportunity to meet parishioners and other families with children for baptism. This enables those seeking baptism to feel part of the parish community and heightens the significance of the baptism being celebrated in the local parish community.
Where for some good reason, the family is seeking to celebrate the baptism outside their parish church, the permission of their parish priest needs to be obtained and given to the celebrant of the baptism.
Godparents share in the responsibility with the parents, of introducing to, instructing in, supporting and forming the Catholic faith in their godchildren. For this reason, parents need to take great care in choosing godparents and take into account in their choice the commitment to and practice of the Catholic faith and preparedness of the godparents to be involved in the faith development of the child for whom they are accepting this responsibility. Because of the importance of the godparents’ role as a model and mentor of the Catholic faith they must be Catholics. Provision is made for further support by non-Catholics through the role of Witnesses of Faith who stand with the godparents.
Usually there are several babies baptised at the one ceremony to symbolise that each baby is joining the universal Church, which is made up of over a billion people. In fact, the gathered community is also a symbol of the Church. The priest says to each child, calling him or her by name, ‘The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our saviour by the sign of the cross.’
ADULT BAPTISM
Many people are Catholic because they were born into a Catholic family. But others make the decision to become Catholic during their adult life. Each year thousands of people enquire about the Catholic faith and go on to be received into the Catholic Church. Others who were baptised as an infant make an adult decision to follow Jesus more closely in the Church.
Christian Initiation
If you are an adult who has not been baptised a Christian, but are thinking about becoming a Catholic, then the first step is to go to the local church and ask how they go about receiving people into the Church. Most churches are delighted to welcome new people into their church.
You will probably be asked to participate in instructions. Sometimes the priest does this himself; some churches have a programme - the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or R.C.I.A. - to prepare people for baptism.
Joining the Community
When you ask for Baptism you are asking to become a member of the Catholic Church. You will be expected to take part in the life of that community on a regular basis. Like any community, hopefully, you will find people there you get on with.
Committing your life to God
Baptism is the sacrament in which we commit ourselves to God. We proclaim our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we promise to avoid evil and to do good.
The baptism ceremony for adults is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of godparents adults have sponsors whose role is to encourage you in the catholic faith.
Traditionally adult baptisms take place during the ceremony of the Easter Vigil. In some parishes, therefore, you might be asked to wait for Easter for Baptism.
Many people are Catholic because they were born into a Catholic family. But others make the decision to become Catholic during their adult life. Each year thousands of people enquire about the Catholic faith and go on to be received into the Catholic Church. Others who were baptised as an infant make an adult decision to follow Jesus more closely in the Church.
Christian Initiation
If you are an adult who has not been baptised a Christian, but are thinking about becoming a Catholic, then the first step is to go to the local church and ask how they go about receiving people into the Church. Most churches are delighted to welcome new people into their church.
You will probably be asked to participate in instructions. Sometimes the priest does this himself; some churches have a programme - the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or R.C.I.A. - to prepare people for baptism.
Joining the Community
When you ask for Baptism you are asking to become a member of the Catholic Church. You will be expected to take part in the life of that community on a regular basis. Like any community, hopefully, you will find people there you get on with.
Committing your life to God
Baptism is the sacrament in which we commit ourselves to God. We proclaim our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we promise to avoid evil and to do good.
The baptism ceremony for adults is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of godparents adults have sponsors whose role is to encourage you in the catholic faith.
Traditionally adult baptisms take place during the ceremony of the Easter Vigil. In some parishes, therefore, you might be asked to wait for Easter for Baptism.
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KANGAROO POINT AND
EAST BRISBANE CATHOLIC PARISH Parish Office:
81 Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane, QLD 4169 Phone: (07) 3391 4663 Fax: (07) 3891 6738 Email: kpoint[at]bne.catholic.net.au Office Hours: Wednesdays 8:30am to 4pm |
OUR CHURCH LOCATIONS
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