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Baptism Arrangements<\/h3>\n\n

The Sacrament of Baptism<\/span><\/h3>
Firstly, we want to congratulate you on the birth of your child. We also want to welcome this new born child into our Parish Community.<\/span><\/div>

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Parents are the first teachers of their child in the way of way. The Baptism preparation is an effort to help them in that role.<\/span><\/div>

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Your child\'s Baptism will be a special moment for you and your family. It will also be a special moment for our parish as we welcome your child into the Christian Community.<\/span><\/div>

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1.<\/span> <\/span>The Baptism celebration begins with the welcome of the child into the church. The Sign of the Cross is traced on the child\'s forehead to show that he\/she belongs to Christ.<\/span><\/div>

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2.<\/span> <\/span>We listen to the Word of God<\/span><\/div>

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3.<\/span> <\/span>We pray for the child and his\/her family.<\/span><\/div>

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4.<\/span> <\/span>The child is anointed with the Oil of Cathechumens to give strength.<\/span><\/div>

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5.<\/span> <\/span>The water of Baptism is blessed. Water is for cleansing. Water is also necessary for life.<\/span><\/div>

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6.<\/span> <\/span>We renew our Baptismal promises.<\/span><\/div>

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7.<\/span> <\/span>The child is blessed.<\/span><\/div>

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8.<\/span> <\/span>The child is anointed with the Oil of Chrism to give strength to live as a friend of Jesus, and bring others to Jesus.<\/span><\/div>

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9.<\/span> <\/span>The White Garment is a sign of Christian dignity.<\/span><\/div>

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10.<\/span> <\/span>The Candle symbolises Christ as the light of the world.<\/span><\/div>

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11.<\/span> <\/span>The child\'s mouth and ears are blessed.<\/span><\/div>

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12.<\/span> <\/span>We conclude our celebration of Baptism by looking forward to the next Sacrament the child will celebrate - First Communion and Confirmation.<\/span><\/div>

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13.<\/span> <\/span>We pray the Our Father - the prayer that unites all Christians.<\/span><\/div>

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14.<\/span> <\/span>The Final Blessing of the newly Baptised child, the child\'s parents and the whole community who have gathered to celebrate the Baptism, is <\/span>given.<\/span><\/div>

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15.<\/span> <\/span>The Dismissal - we are all sent out to bring God\'s peace to our world.<\/span><\/div>

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Things to Note<\/span><\/h3>
<\/span>The Baptismal Candle is presented by the parish. The candle may be used later in preparation services for First Communion and Confirmation.<\/span><\/div>

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<\/span>Parents are to bring a separate White Garment.<\/span><\/div>

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<\/span>The name that you give your child is important.<\/span><\/div>

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<\/span>Sponsors should have reached the age of 16 years.<\/span><\/div>

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<\/span>The extended family members are all welcome to participate in the Baptism ceremony.<\/span><\/div>

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<\/span>A Blessing Sunday is arranged each year. This is for babies baptised during the previous 12 months, and we hope that you will be able to attend.<\/span><\/div>

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A Parent\'s Blessing<\/span><\/h3>

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When you were born<\/span><\/div>
Our hearts were so full of happiness<\/span><\/div>
That there was no room in us for words.<\/span><\/div>

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When you were growing<\/span><\/div>
Our hearts were so full of care for you<\/span><\/div>
That we spoke soothingly<\/span><\/div>
And sometimes sharply.<\/span><\/div>
Fearful for your safety,<\/span><\/div>
But always in the deepest places of our hearts<\/span><\/div>
We spoke lovingly.<\/span><\/div>

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Today,<\/span><\/div>
As we watch you<\/span><\/div>
Moving forward with your friends<\/span><\/div>
We marvel at all you have done<\/span><\/div>
And become<\/span><\/div>
Our spirits sing praise to God<\/span><\/div>
For the gift that is you.<\/span><\/div>
And, though our hearts<\/span><\/div>
Have stretched to love others,<\/span><\/div>
Yet, there is still a place within us<\/span><\/div>
That is yours and only yours,<\/span><\/div>
Always.<\/span><\/div>

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For the light you have shone on us,<\/span><\/div>
For the life you have called us to,<\/span><\/div>
For the special gift of God<\/span><\/div>
You are now, and will ever be,<\/span><\/div>
Thank You<\/span><\/div>

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Godparent\'s Prayer<\/span><\/h3>
Lord, I thank you that<\/span><\/div>

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[Name of Child]<\/span><\/div>

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has become by Baptism<\/span><\/div>
a member of Your Church.<\/span><\/div>
May they grow in faith<\/span><\/div>
all the days of their life.<\/span><\/div>
Lord help me to carry out<\/span><\/div>
the responsibilities of Godparent<\/span><\/div>
that I have undertaken<\/span><\/div>

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Amen.<\/span><\/div>

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