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A Child for Baptism<\/h3><\/div>\n
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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>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>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><\/p>


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The Baptismal Service<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>


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1. 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.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

2. We listen to the Word of God<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

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

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

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

6. We renew our Baptismal promises.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Things to Note        <\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Each child should have a Baptismal Candle. The candle may be used later in preparation services for First Communion and Confirmation.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

• Parents are to bring a separate White Garment.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

• The name that you give your child is important.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

• Sponsors should have reached the age of 16 years.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

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

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A Parent\'s Blessing<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

When you were born<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Our hearts were so full of happiness<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

That there was no room in us for words.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

-<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

When you were growing<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Our hearts were so full of care for you<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

That we spoke soothingly<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

And sometimes sharply.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Fearful for your safety,<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

But always in the deepest places of our hearts<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

We spoke lovingly.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

-<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Today,<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

As we watch you<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Moving forward with your friends<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

We marvel at all you have done<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

And become<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Our spirits sing praise to God<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

For the gift that is you.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

And, though our hearts<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Have stretched to love others,<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Yet, there is still a place within us<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

That is yours and only yours,<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Always.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

-<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

For the light you have shone on us,<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

For the life you have called us to,<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

For the special gift of God<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

You are now, and will ever be,<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>

Thank You<\/span><\/p>


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