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Important<\/span><\/div>

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Baptisms: From 6th March Baptisms every 2nd Sunday of the Month and the last Sunday of the month. Baptism Meeting first Sunday of the Month 1pm in the Houben Centre. <\/div>

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Baptism Lines will be copied from our register once a week and collected the following Monday.  Identification is needed for all Certificates.<\/div>

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The Sacrament of Baptism<\/span><\/div>

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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.<\/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.<\/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.<\/div>

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The Baptismal Service<\/span><\/div>

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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.<\/div>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.<\/div>

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

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

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

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

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

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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.<\/div>

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

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Things to Note:<\/span><\/div>

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    • Parents are to bring a candle and separate White Garment.<\/div>

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

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

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    • The extended family members are all welcome to participate in the Baptism ceremony.<\/div>
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A Parent\'s Blessing<\/span><\/div>

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

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

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

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

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