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

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Parents\nare the first teachers of their child in the way of way. The Baptism preparation\nis an effort to help them in that role.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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

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The Baptismal Service<\/span><\/h2>
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1. The\nBaptism celebration begins with the welcome of the child into the church. The Sign\nof the Cross is traced on the child\'s forehead to show that he\/she belongs to Christ.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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2. We\nlisten to the Word of God
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3. We pray for the child and his\/her family.
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4. The child is anointed with the Oil of Cathechumens to give strength.
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5. The water of Baptism is blessed. Water is for cleansing. Water is also necessary\nfor life.
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6. We renew our Baptismal promises.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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7. The\nchild is blessed.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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8. The\nchild is anointed with the Oil of Chrism to give strength to live as a friend of\nJesus, and bring others to Jesus.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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9. The\nWhite Garment is a sign of Christian dignity.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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10. The\nCandle symbolises Christ as the light of the world.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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11. The\nchild\'s mouth and ears are blessed.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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12. We\nconclude our celebration of Baptism by looking forward to the next Sacrament the\nchild will celebrate - First Communion and Confirmation.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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13. We\npray the Our Father - the prayer that unites all Christians.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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14. The\nFinal Blessing of the newly Baptised child, the child\'s parents and the whole community\nwho have gathered to celebrate the Baptism, is given.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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

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Things to Note:<\/span><\/span><\/h2>
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Parents are to bring a candle and separate White Garment.<\/span><\/li>
The name that you give your child is important.<\/span><\/li>
Sponsors should have reached the age of 16 year<\/span><\/li>
The extended family members are all welcome to participate in the Baptism ceremony.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
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A Parent\'s Blessing<\/span><\/h2>
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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><\/span>
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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><\/span>
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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><\/span>
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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>\n

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Thank You<\/span><\/div><\/span><\/span>
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