The Sacrament Baptism- the Ceremony, Exercises of Christianity

Download The Sacrament Baptism- the Ceremony and more Exercises Christianity in PDF only on Docsity! Baptism Information from the Baptism Team This is to replace the meeting we normally have prior to the Baptism Day but which is not now possible to have due to Covid-19 restrictions. Welcome to the Ceremony of Baptism—here is some helpful information about Baptism and also some practical details for the day of your child’s Baptism Two members of the Baptism team will be there on the day to help you celebrate the beautiful sacrament of Baptism It is not a naming ceremony—it is a sacrament Baptism -The Sacrament What is a Sacrament? The sacraments instituted by Jesus are channels of God’s grace into our lives. Each sacrament is meant to draw us closer to God, often at important times in our lives such as birth marriage and death. The grace we receive helps us to keep the commandments and live good lives as God intends for us.​ In this  way we fulfill our mission as baptised Christians to bring the Light of  Christ into our world (families/workplaces, community).  The Sacrament of Baptism The word Baptism is of Greek origin meaning to wash or immerse. It is the basis of the whole Christian life. To be baptised is to become Christian and experience for life both the blessings and responsibilities of that commitment. It is a sign of life-God’s life, eternal life. Baptism is for your child the gateway to all the sacraments. It is through Baptism that we are reborn as children of God. It is one of the sacraments of initiation -for example, you must be Baptised to receive the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation. Baptism- the Ceremony On the day, you will be given a laminated sheet with the important responses on it –normally we have a booklet but we cannot use this due to Covid restrictions The Celebrant will ask parents ✔what names have you given to your child ? (usually individually) and ✔what do you ask for your child? Collectively (all the parents present) (IT IS IMPORTANT TO ANSWER OUT….. THE NAME …AND BAPTISM At this stage of the baptism ceremony, parents make a solemn promise to bring up their child in the faith. Nobody can be a Christian on their own - we need to be part of a faith community. (See content of booklet) Parents and Godparents are now asked to make the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead The Readings We listen to the word of God and this sets the scene for the beginning of your child’s life of faith. These words guide and assure us of God’s love for us. The word Gospel means Good News and in the Gospel, Jesus speaks to us personally. Prayers of the Faithful On the day, a member of the Baptism Team will ask if any member of their family would like to participate by saying one of the Prayers of the Faithful-these are all written on the laminated sheet. Some members of your families may add their words in the form of Prayers of the Faithful. First Anointing Your child will be anointed with the oil of Baptism ,also known as oil of Catechumens. A Catechumen was a person preparing for Baptism in the early Church. It is a simple olive oil which has been blessed by the Archbishop on Holy Thursday in the Pro-Cathedral and distributed to the parishes. It is the oil of purification before the pouring of water. It is rubbed on your child’s chest and it signifies strength and prepares them for the challenges of life ahead. **​Make sure that the garment the baby is wearing is open at the front so that the priest can anoint the chest easily.** Because of Covid-19, the celebrant will use cotton wool or a cotton bud for the anointing Blessing of the Baptismal Water //Renewal of Baptismal vows The priest will now bless the water which has been boiled and sufficiently cooled –the water with which your baby will be baptised