Baptism:
Please read the general information about Baptism
and then click the link below for the online application form.
ONLINE
APPLICATION FORM (PLEASE CLICK HERE)
General information for you:
Saint Mary’s Catholic
Church Telephone: (07) 4121
3701 Facsimile: (07) 4121
2829
Greetings from St Mary’s.
Thanks
for your inquiry about your child’s Baptism. I am enclosing a little sheet to
help explain the ceremony and what happens in it. Don’t worry about remembering
it too much, I will walk everyone through each stage, this is just a copy to
help people know what generally happens in the ceremony.
One
of the oldest and simplest prayers in the Christian church is the ancient “sign
of the cross.” Many Catholics know it
‘off by heart.’ Some are a little rusty. That’s okay, but I would like to
invite people, if they are not already familiar with this symbol to practise this
sign and teach it to their children from any early age. It goes like this….
“In the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
(forehead,
chest, left
shoulder, right shoulder)
Whenever the priest, in a church service says the
words: “The Lord be with you” or “the Peace of the Lord, be with you
always,” the people reply in a nice
strong voice: “And also with You.”
Here are a couple of things we ask you to keep in
mind for the smooth running of the ceremony. We are sorry to have to spell them
out, but it is because of some difficulties in past experience. Please be
assured, though, that we will make you feel welcome and relaxed and that we
want to make this event very special for you.
·
Near the very start of the
ceremony, the priest will ask a question that is not a trick question. He will
ask you: “What is it that you are asking of God’s church for your child?” The answer is: “BAPTISM.”
·
When the priest asks the
Parents, Godparents and all those present to reply “I DO” in a strong audible
voice to a series of questions of faith, we do sincerely ask that people
respond to the questions as such, in a nice strong voice that can be heard
and which conveys how special and important this event is. There is nothing more disappointing if people
don’t answer or are not able to be heard when being asked these key questions
of faith.
·
Please aim to be ready to
begin the baptism at the time confirmed for the ceremony. The time confirmed
for the Baptism is the time that the ceremony is due to START. It is not
the time set down for people to begin arriving. We stress this because the
priest often has other commitments following, (and whilst we do leave adequate
space so that no one needs to feel rushed), late arrivals can cause
complications.
·
Please don’t ask anyone to
be standing up with you on the sanctuary who does not agree with the principles
of baptism and is not prepared to stand there happily. We need people standing
with you at the baptism who are able to say “YES” and “I DO” to what is
happening here. We raise this because in the past, we have occasionally and
noticeably had people standing up there who look extremely unhappy, appear to
be ‘scowling’ or who look bored or uninterested. This is not only disappointing
for family members and the priest, but it contradicts everything else that is
going on in the ceremony. We do understand that people can be nervous and
anxious but we will make you as welcome and comfortable as possible. In return
we ask that everyone be supportive and enthusiastic for what is happening in
this beautiful and special ceremony for you.
If the Godparents would like, I need one of them
to do a short Bible reading, which is also attached, and also one to lead us in
some “prayers of the faithful.” If they
don’t feel able to do it, one or two other people (family or friends can do
this instead).
Please ensure that your child is dressed in
something white. It can either be a Baptismal Gown or anything white, (a white
dress or a white shirt etc.).
(Alternatively, you could make or buy a little Baptismal “Bib” that is a
simple piece of white cloth with a hole for the head.
This is slipped over the
newly Baptised child’s head after the pouring of water). The reason for this white garment is similar
to the meaning of the reading from the Bible where it says: “…..when you were baptized, it was as though
you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes.”
A few practicalities. When you and your family and
friends arrive, please come into the church before the start time and take your
seats right at the front of the church.
If your baptism is due for a Sunday, please don’t panic if when you
arrive the church is closed and everything is locked up. I do a weekly Church
service at Tiaro (Sundays) and should arrive back and open up the church at
least about five to ten minutes before the scheduled time, hopefully even
earlier. Please take with you this number in case you have any worries on the
day: Fr Paul, Ph: 041 778 6456. Please note
that there is a small car-park attached to the church. The entrance driveway is
directly opposite the Post Office in Bazaar Street. If you could ensure that
guests know exactly where the church is to avoid them getting lost and missing
the ceremony.
Extra Practicalities. The Baptismal Certificate is
an important record of the Baptism. Please keep this certificate safe,
preferably with other important records such as Birth Certificates and the
like. The certificate will be needed at important moments in life, such as
enrolment into Catholic Schools, participation in Sacramental Programmes
(Reconciliation , Confirmation and Communion) and is also needed much later
when preparing for Marriage. Although we do keep the Baptismal details in the
Baptismal Register at the church it is always easier if you have kept the
certificate for ease of information. Without it, people sometimes forget where
and when the Baptism occurred, and that makes it difficult to find the right
church in which to search for the necessary details.
It would be nice if one or two of the Godparents,
(or alternatively) another family member or friend would be able to do a
reading that we will provide. If you would like that, please let the priest
know when you arrive and he will hand you a copy of a set reading or prayer for
them to read and let you know when this occurs in the ceremony. Thanks and see you soon,
_______________________________
Sincerely
Paul Kelly. Parish Priest, Maryborough.
THE SYMBOLS USED IN THE CEREMONY
There are a
few symbolic elements used in the Baptism ceremony. Here is a quick summary, to
help explain the meaning of them.
1. OIL OF BAPTISM: Your child will be anointed on the chest
(older children and adults we anoint on the forehead) with the oil of Baptism.
This is ordinary olive oil that has been specially blessed by our Bishop in an
annual ceremony just before Easter. This oil is a symbol of preparing the child
for Christian living. Just as an athlete is rubbed with oil to prepare their
muscles for the race, this oil is used to strengthen and prepare the child to
live a good Christian life. The oil also symbolises protection. Just as it is
hard to grab hold of someone who has oil rubbed on them, they slip away from
one’s grip, so too we pray that this child will be protected from harm and
temptation; nothing bad in life can grab hold of them, it will just slip away.
2. WATER: This is the
main symbol of baptism. Water represents washing clean and re-birth and
renewal. Water is a perfect symbol, it contains so many meanings: Health and
life, danger and threat, power and gentleness, washing and renewing. It is a
wonderful way of showing that by following Jesus we want to ‘immerse” or
“plunge” ourselves into Jesus’ way of life. Baptism is a word that literally
means “Plunge” and we believe that Baptism is not just a sign of following
Jesus, Baptism connects us to Jesus and makes us one with his life and with the
life of all other believers in Jesus.
3. OIL OF CHRISM: The name “Christian” comes from the name
“Christ” who we follow. The word “Christ” literally means “Anointed One.” Jesus
is the Anointed and Chosen one of God who was ‘anointed’ by God to be THE
Priest, Prophet and King. Oil of Chrism is again ordinary olive oil that has
been mixed with beautiful perfumes. This oil symbolises royalty and vocation.
This oil is anointed onto the crown on the head of the newly baptised child.
This is the same oil that is used to anoint the heads of Monarchs at their
Coronation, to anoint Priest’s hands at their Ordination, and is the same oil
that is used in Confirmation, which seals and confirms the baptism of the child
later in life. This second anointing makes it clear that your child is a royal
member of Jesus’ kingdom, as all Jesus’ followers are. The child will be
connected and part of Jesus, and share with Jesus in his vocation to be
“Priest, Prophet and King” in the world.
4. WHITE BAPTISMAL GARMENT: There is a Bible reading where Saint Paul subtly refers to the white
Baptismal when he says : “when you were baptized, it was as though you had put
on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes.” The white Baptismal garment
represents cleanliness and purity. As Baptised followers of Jesus we have been
washed clean and purified and we are expected to keep our lives “clean” and
“pure.” The white garment is a symbol reminding us of how we want to keep
ourselves holy the way a person keeps a white garment nice and clean.
5. CANDLE: We believe
that Jesus is the “light of the world.”
Jesus is the light who shows us the way, and helps us in life,
especially when we feel we are in darkness of difficulty or temptation or
confusion. Every Easter a very large candle is blessed called the “Easter
Candle” or “Paschal Candle” (a word meaning Passover: Jesus is the “Passover
Lamb” who was sacrificed to save us from sin). This candle represents Jesus who
is a light to all in darkness. When a child is baptised, they are said to be
“enlightened by Christ” and they have become a “Child of the Light.” A
Baptismal candle is lit from this Easter candle and is presented to the family
as a sign that this newly baptised person has received Jesus’ light and now
must be a ‘light of christ’ to all they meet in how they live and behave. Just
as the big light does not lose any of its brightness or power by having other
candles lit from it, so we become a carrier of Christ’s light without taking
anything from the greatness of the true light who enlightens and guides us all:
Jesus Christ.
CEREMONY OF BAPTISM
RECEPTION OF THE FAMILY
To the
Parents
CELEBRANT : What name have you given your child?
PARENTS : (name their
child)
CELEBRANT : What do you ask of God's Church for
....
PARENTS : Baptism
CELEBRANT : You have asked to have your child
Baptised. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her
in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep
God's commandment' as Christ has taught us by loving God and our neighbour. Do
you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
PARENTS : We
do.
To the
Godparents
CELEBRANT:
Are you ready to help the
parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?
GODPARENTS
: We are.
CELEBRANT
: ................................ the Christian community welcomes you
with 
great joy. In its name I
claim you for Christ our Saviour by the sign of his cross. I now trace the
cross on your forehead, and invite your parents and Godparents to do the same. +
CELEBRATION
OF GOD'S WORD
SCRIPTURE
Priest then reads the Gospel…. He will words like this…
Gospel: (priest)
Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And
also with you.
Priest: From the holy Gospel according to Luke
All: Glory
to you, Lord.
(as the people are saying this, they copy what the
priest is doing, namely, they use their thumb to trace the sign of the cross on
their Forehead (+), their lips (+) and their heart (+); In this action they are silently asking God
to be on their Mind, their lips and their heart so that they may hear God’s
word and live it).
PRAYER
AND ANOINTING BEFORE BAPTISM.
BLESSING
AND INVOCATION OF GOD OVER BAPTISMAL WATER. (If the water has not already been
blessed)
RENUNCIATION
OF SIN AND PROFESSION OF FAITH.
The celebrant invites the parents, Godparents and
everyone present to renew their Baptismal promises on behalf of the child. This
is the faith into which this child is about to be baptized. (Please answer “I
Do” in a STRONG AUDIBLE VOICE when asked each question).
CELEBRANT : Do you reject Satan, And all his
works'? and all his empty promises?
PARENTS AND GODPARENTS : I do
CELEBRANT : Do you believe in God, the Father
Almighty, creator of heaven and earth
PARENTS AND GODPARENTS : I do
CELEBRANT : Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his
only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and
was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the
Father?
PARENTS AND GODPARENTS : I do
CELEBRANT : Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the
Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the Forgiveness of sin, the
resurrection of the Body, and life everlasting?
PARENTS AND GODPARENTS : I do
CELEBRANT
: This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess
it, in Christ Jesus Our Lord.
ALL : Amen.
·
BAPTISM
·
ANOINTING WITH CHRISM
·
CLOTHING WITH THE WHITE
GARMENT
·
LIGHTING CANDLE -
PRESENTED TO PARENTS
·
LORDS PRAYER
·
BLESSING
(extra background information)
YOUR CHILD’S BAPTISM
In the Baptism ceremony
the Priest will say to you: -
“You have asked to have your
child Baptised. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training
them in the practice of the faith.”
Elsewhere, at the
Blessing, in the Rite of Baptism: -
“The
parents will be the first teachers
of their child in the ways of faith. May they also be the best of
teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus
our Lord.”
The Church teaches that an
important part of being a Catholic is understanding that we belong to a
community. We are not just individuals. Being Catholic means agreeing to be
formed by the message of the Gospel, and regularly listening to how the
community understands its meaning for here and now.
By Baptism a child has a
right and a duty to be given the fullness of their Catholic Teaching. This includes
contact with the Catholic faith community at Sunday
When a child is Baptised
and then rarely is given an opportunity to go to Mass, the child is being
denied the full practice of their faith.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED PRACTICAL QUESTION
PARENT: I am
going to let my child choose whether or not to go to church when they are old
enough to decide for themselves. Is there anything wrong with that?
RESPONSE: There
are problems with this way of thinking! Parents play an important role in
imparting values and habits for their child’s life. Long before a child
realises the value of going to school or brushing their teeth, the parents have
insisted on these practices. Children depend on their parents’ wisdom to insist
on what is good for them. Their religious knowledge and faith formation is no
different.
By the time a child is old
enough to “decide for themselves” they will not have experienced growing up as
a regular member of a faith community. If church has not been part of their
life up to this point and if the Catholic parents do not go to Mass, the child
will probably get the message that this is not a life value for them.
We welcome you to take
your rightful place as members of the worshipping community. God Bless you as
you take this next important step in your own and your child’s faith journey.
To contact Fr Paul to start the process for this sacrament. email Fr Paul on holyjoe@ozemail.com.au
ONLINE
APPLICATION FORM (PLEASE CLICK HERE)
A reading from the letter
of
[Pronounced: “eff-ee-shuns”]
I, the prisoner in the Lord, implore you to lead a
life worthy of your vocation. Bear with one another charitably, in complete
selflessness, gentleness and patience. Do all you can to preserve the unity of
the Spirit by the peace that binds you together. There is one Body, one Spirit,
just as you were all called into one and the same hope when you were called.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God who is Father of all,
over all, through all and within all.
This is the word of the Lord.
( “THANKS BE
TO GOD” )
++
Prayers of the Faithful. (Intercessions)
The response after each of these prayers is: “LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.”
Inspire this child to hear and follow
your gospel, and to give witness to you by living a life of love, hope and
care.
Let us pray to the Lord:
( LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER)
Help this child to love God and
neighbour as you have taught us.
Let us pray to the Lord:
(LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER)
May this child grow in holiness and
wisdom by listening to fellow Christians and by following their example.
Let us pray to the Lord:
(LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER)
Let all your followers remain united
in faith and love.
Let us pray to the Lord:
(LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER)