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The Sacrament of Baptism<\/o:p><\/span><\/span><\/p>

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


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


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

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

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1.      <\/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><\/p>


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


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


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


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


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


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


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8.      <\/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><\/p>


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


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


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


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


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


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14.    <\/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 given.<\/span><\/p>


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

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The Baptismal Candle is presented by the parish. The candle may be used later in preparation services for First Communion and Confirmation.<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>


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

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

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

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

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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><\/p>


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A Parent\'s Blessing<\/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>

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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>

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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>

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

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Godparent’s Prayer<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>


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Lord, I thank you that<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>


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[Name of Child]<\/o:p><\/span><\/p>


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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><\/span><\/p>

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