Baptism

Parents presenting their child for Baptism are invited to participate in the Baptism Preparation Programme.

This preparation involves at least three different stages. Each stage is building links with the community and gaining an understanding of what it is to be baptised. The stages are:

• meeting the team and understanding the commitment,
• a discussion activity with other parents and the team,
• a welcome ceremony at church with the faith community,
• and the baptism liturgy with friends and family.

This preparation takes at least three months. The Baptism Ministry Team assists parents through the programme.

The registration process is available here and see further information about the Sacrament of Baptism.

We really look forward to meeting you and your child.

Your Child’s Baptism

The Programme for Baptism spans a period of three months in advance of the Baptism Liturgy.

Please read Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism and read more information on the Sacrament of Baptism below.

If you wish to present your child for Baptism into the Faith Community, we invite you to a “Meet and Greet Sunday” where you will meet members of the Baptism Ministry Team and hear about our preparation for Baptism.

Come and meet with us on the Second Sunday of the month at 11.30am Mass in The Holy Rosary Church, Greystones, and afterwards to a “Meet and Greet! gathering with the Pastoral Area Baptism Ministry Team in Kilian House Family Centre, Greystones.

No need to book the meet and greet – come along on the appropriate Sunday. The Baptism programme spans 4 months, so for example,  if you are considering baptism in May, please come to the Meet and Greet in February.

See the dates below.

The invite is for all parents in the Pastoral Area of Greystones and Kilquade. We look forward to meeting you and outlining our preparation for your child.

We look forward to welcoming your child into the faith community and supporting you on this journey.

BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN PREPARING FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND/OR CONFIRMATION

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation that welcomes a person in the Faith Community and is necessary to present a child for further sacraments.

We ask parents/guardians who wish to present their unbaptised child/children for sacraments of First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation to please contact the Sacraments Preparation Team to discuss options

The baptismal preparation process involves parents/guardians working with their child towards a deeper understanding of the decision taken. We will be delighted to journey and support you in the role of your child’s first and best teacher.

How the Church sees Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament of faith, but faith must grow after baptism. Thus, the important roles of parents and godparents, who as believers are able and ready to help the newly baptised on the road of Christian life. Through Baptism we enter into a unique relationship with Jesus Christ, Saviour and Redeemer.

Parents, by following the gestures and words of this celebration through thoughtful reflection and attentive participation, renew the promise of their own baptismal faith. In a likewise manner, the Church celebrates each year at the Easter Vigil the renewal of our baptismal promises.

• The Sign of the Cross on the child’s forehead: Christ claims this child for his own. 
• Proclamation of the Word: enlightens us with the revealed truth of our existence by God and for God.
• Anointed with oil of catechumen on the chest: for strength to reject evil. 
• Profession of Faith: the commitment of parents to bring up their child in the faith.
• Water: essential for life, the pouring of water (or immersion) three times while saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the Most Holy Trinity. 
• Anointed with the oil of chrism: signifies the gift by the Holy Spirit.
• White garment and candle: symbolize the baptized has “put on Christ”, and are the “light of the world”.

Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1210-1284

Baptism through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Adults and children over the age of 7 who seek Baptism take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

Further information is available here or through the Pastoral Area Office.