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THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.
The parish has recently revised it's policy on the Baptism of infants and children.
ST. BEGH’S PRIORY - SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.
The birth and baptism of a child is a wonderfully happy occasion and the parish of St. Begh’s shares in the joy of all families who are celebrating the birth of a child, and who wish their child to receive the gift of Christian baptism. Because of the importance of Baptism as a sacrament, and because parents have to make a solemn promise to bring up their children in the practice of the faith, great stress is laid upon preparation for this sacrament, especially attendance at Sunday mass.If a family have not been attending mass at the time of a baptismal request, then they have to immediately begin attending Church regularly, i’e’ every Sunday. They must be attending mass regularly for at least two months before a date for baptism can be confirmed. Other requirements are
NAME. Each child to be baptised should have at least one Christian or saint’s name, one name that is traditionally Christian.
GOD PARENTS. Godparents must be over 16, and at least one must be a practising catholic. There can be a maximum of 4 godparents, please remember that they share in the promises the parents take in bringing up your child in the practice of the faith, so god-parents should be chosen with this in mind. The names of god-parents must be communicated to Fr. Matthew at least two weeks before the date of baptism, extra godparents cannot be introduced after this or on the day of baptism.
THE BAPTISMAL SERVICE. Baptisms normally take place on Sundays at 1.00pm, and it is very likely that more than one child will be baptised, baptisms do not take place every Sunday. Baptisms can though also take place within the Sunday 10.00am mass. Parents are reminded that they and their guests should dress appropriately for a Church service, this does not necessarily mean "Sunday best", but does mean no mini-skirts etc!
FINANCIAL DONATION. Parents are free to make a contribution to the parish on the occasion of their child’s baptism, the figure suggested is £30, but this is dependent on each family’s financial means. Any couples who wish to have a child baptised at St. Begh's need to contact Fr. Matthew on 692342. An initial meeting will then be arranged when details of what we ask of parents will be discussed. Only those who live in the parish of St. Begh’s can have a child baptised at St. Begh’s. If a family live in another parish but regularly worship at St. Begh’s, then they can have their child baptised at St. Begh’s. Those who don’t live in the parish and don’t practice at St. Begh’s will be referred to their geographical parish.Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation course run regularly in the parish. This course is made up of one session run on Tuesday evenings, the session will be held once a month. Attendance at this session is compulsory, and a date for baptism can only be confirmed when the session has been attended.Both parents are encouraged to attend the preparation sessions, although we understand the difficulty of shift working and of single parent families. We do encourage, if possible, the Godparents to attend the above sessions. Single parent families and unmarried couples are of course welcome to request baptism for their children.Children who are aged 6 or over and for whom baptism is requested will be enrolled on the parishes First Holy Communion course, as preparation for their baptism.
NAME. Each child to be baptised should have at least one Christian or saint’s name, one name that is traditionally Christian.
GOD PARENTS. Godparents must be over 16, and at least one must be a practising catholic. There can be a maximum of 4 godparents, please remember that they share in the promises the parents take in bringing up your child in the practice of the faith, so god-parents should be chosen with this in mind. The names of god-parents must be communicated to Fr. Matthew at least two weeks before the date of baptism, extra godparents cannot be introduced after this or on the day of baptism.
THE BAPTISMAL SERVICE. Baptisms normally take place on Sundays at 1.00pm, and it is very likely that more than one child will be baptised, baptisms do not take place every Sunday. Baptisms can though also take place within the Sunday 10.00am mass. Parents are reminded that they and their guests should dress appropriately for a Church service, this does not necessarily mean "Sunday best", but does mean no mini-skirts etc!
FINANCIAL DONATION. Parents are free to make a contribution to the parish on the occasion of their child’s baptism, the figure suggested is £30, but this is dependent on each family’s financial means. Any couples who wish to have a child baptised at St. Begh's need to contact Fr. Matthew on 692342. An initial meeting will then be arranged when details of what we ask of parents will be discussed.
The next baptism preparation session is on Tuesday 1st July at 7.00pm. Couples need to contact Fr. Matthew before attending this session.
1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."5
1214 This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to "plunge" or "immerse"; the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature."6
1215 This sacrament is also called "the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit," for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one "can enter the kingdom of God."7
1216 "This bath is called enlightenment, because those who receive this [catechetical] instruction are enlightened in their understanding . . . ."8 Having received in Baptism the Word, "the true light that enlightens every man," the person baptized has been "enlightened," he becomes a "son of light," indeed, he becomes "light" himself:9
Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.10
