Baptisms
(4
weeks notice)
Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.00pm
Please
make your booking at the Parish Office (tel. 3346465)
The
Sacrament of Baptism
Firstly, we
want to congratulate you on the birth of your child.
We also want to welcome this new born child into our
parish.
It is important
to prepare well for all sacraments. Baptism is the
first sacrament of the Church. The more we are prepared,
the more the love of God given to us through the sacraments
can bear fruit in our lives.
Parents are
the first and most important people to pass on faith
to their child. In Longford Parish we have set up
a Baptism Programme to help parents as they bring
their child for Baptism.
The first
thing to do is to give at least four weeks notice
and to book your child’s baptism at the Parish
Office in the Presbytery. The Parish will then write
to you about two to three weeks before the date you
booked and will invite you to a meeting on a Monday
night at 8.00pm in the Family Centre on St. Mel’s
Road.
There two members
of the Baptism Team will help you reflect on the sacrament
of Baptism by means of input, a short DVD, discussion
and prayer. They will talk about the ceremony on the
day and answer any questions you may have. The meeting
lasts less that an hour and finishes with a cup of
tea. There will also be a visit to your house by a
Parish sister in the weeks before the Baptism and
the priest celebrating the Baptism will call in the
days immediately before the Baptism.
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.
• Parents
are to bring a Baptism candle and a separate White
Garment.
• The
name that you give your child is important.
• Each
child has one or more usually two godparents. They
are to be Catholic, have received Confirmation and
at least 16 years of age.
• The extended family
members are all welcome to participate in the Baptism
ceremony.
A Parent's
Blessing
When you were
born
Our hearts were so full of happiness
That there was no room in us for words.
When you were
growing
Our hearts were so full of care for you
That we spoke soothingly
And sometimes sharply.
Fearful for your safety,
But always in the deepest places of our hearts
We spoke lovingly.
Today,
As we watch you
Moving forward with your friends
We marvel at all you have done
And become
Our spirits sing praise to God
For the gift that is you.
And, though our hearts
Have stretched to love others,
Yet, there is still a place within us
That is yours and only yours,
Always.
For the light
you have shone on us,
For the life you have called us to,
For the special gift of God
You are now, and will ever be,
Thank You
Godparent's
Prayer
Lord, I thank
you that
[Name
of Child]
has become by
Baptism
a member of Your Church.
May they grow in faith
all the days of their life.
Lord help me to carry out
the responsibilities of Godparent
that I have undertaken
Amen.
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