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Holy Redeemer Parish |
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Sacraments - Baptism
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” ( Jn 14.6 ) Through Baptism, adults enter into a special relationship with Christ in order to find truth and life; Through Baptism they also become a member of a faith community where they can know, love and serve the Lord. Parents present their children for baptism with the same hope, that through a relationship with Christ, developed early in life, they will find the way that will bring them life. Relationship With God and Church Bringing a child forward for baptism is a most important step for parents because it is about a relationship with God and with a faith community who are willing to support one another in the faith. Love is not a moment in a person’s life but an ongoing relationship. Baptism is not something that happens simply with the pouring of water and the anointing with oil, but the beginning of a journey of a life with God now and ultimately the fullness of life forever. Faith Development of Parent and Child Parents have the first responsibility to see to the development of the faith of their children. In fact, this is so important that the Church recommends that the baptism of a child be delayed until there is some indication that the parents intend to make every effort to bring their child up in the faith. That faith development must begin before the child begins school. The child can learn simple prayers, be exposed to the celebration of Mass and have pictures and other religious articles to remind them of God and God’s love for them. Home/Parish Religious Education Program There is a parish religious education program that begins in kindergarten. It is designed to help the parents in their great responsibility to see to the faith development of their children. All children who are baptized should be enrolled in that program. Baptism is the most important sacrament but if there is no faith development of the child afterwards the sacrament has no significance, meaning or power. When Celebrated Sometimes parents are surprised when they are invited to bring their child for baptism during Sunday Mass. It seems very intimidating to stand before the people-and no one knows if the baby will cry! We are encouraged to celebrate Baptism on Sunday and at Sunday Mass because through Baptism we unite ourselves to Christ who died and rose for all and that is what we celebrate at Sunday Mass. Also, the faith in which children are baptized is not just the faith of their parents but the faith of the whole Church. Through Baptism the child becomes a member of a faith community. For that reason also, we are encouraged to celebrate Baptism at Mass when a large number of the faith community is present. Consideration will be given to having a baptism at another time depending on the circumstances. Name Parents call their children after their relatives or special friends, or give them names they simply like. When we are baptized we become a member of the Church which has a long list of saints. Parents might consider one of the names they give their child to be a saint’s name. It would also be good for the child to eventually know something about that saint and know the feast day of the saint. Baptismal Robe Through Baptism we become sons and daughters of God. We put on Christ. We express that in clothing the baptized person with a white robe sometimes referred to as the baptismal or “Christening dress.” It should not be seen as a dress but as a robe, the “garment of salvation.” rich in meaning. Because some people see it as a dress they think it is not appropriate for a boy and provide a white tuxedo for the boy. A tuxedo does not convey the meaning expressed by the white robe. A tuxedo is worn for other occasions. It is not recommended for baptism. The robe is not placed on the child before the ceremony but is placed on the child after the water is poured over the child and the anointing with chrism takes place. Then the robe is put on as a symbol of the new life the person has received in baptism. As St. Paul says, “you have clothed yourself in Christ.” The child may be brought to the church in ordinary clothes for the beginning of the ceremony. Godparents It has been traditional to have two godparents (godfather and godmother) to support the parents in their call to bring up the child in the faith. There cannot be two godfathers or two godmothers. Godparents should be practicing their own faith and be good examples for the child. They must be mature enough and have received the three sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (three sacraments necessary to be a member of the Church ). Both godparents should be members of the Catholic Church. At the request of the parents, a baptized and believing Christian not belonging to the Catholic Church may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent. Godparents can have a great influence on their godchild. One of the best ways a godparent can influence a godchild is the living witness of their faith seen especially in their celebration of Mass which is at the very heart of our faith. Sign of the Cross During the baptism of your child a cross is traced on his or her forehead with the words, I claim you for Christ our saviour by the sign of his cross. The cross becomes from then on a reminder of Christ’s love and of his or her to follow Christ. When you put your child to bed at night it would be a good gesture to trace the cross on his or her forehead each time. Fee In order to have the cathedral available for a baptism, it has to be kept in good repair, maintained, insured, heated and cleaned throughout the year. This cannot be done without your support. Those availing of the Baptisms are expected to make an offering to meet these costs. Baptism Preparation Program Those who already have a baby to be baptized or are looking forward to the birth of a child in the months ahead are asked to note that there will be a two-part baptism preparation program offered on the first Thursday of every month which the parents will be expected to attend. As the program will be offered only once a month, it is recommended that you avail of this opportunity as soon as you know you will be having a baby and not wait until the child is born. In this way there will be no unnecessary delay due to the program not being done. To register for the program you can call the parish office at 634-5161. |
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Way,
Truth, and Life