The Sacrament of Baptism
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Mt 28:19-20)
Baptism is the introduction of a person into the Church community. Through the waters of Baptism the person enters into the life of God - Father, Son and Spirit. He or she is dedicated to God and all that is good.
The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ. (CCC 1279)
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, the other two being Confirmation and Eucharist. Through Baptism we are incorporated into the body of Christ. Baptism is celebrated by immersion or the pouring of water with the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. Parents who ask to have their children baptised accept the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith and bringing them up to keep God’s commandments.
Godparents
It is good if the godparents can be adult Catholics who will take an interest in your baby as he or she grows up. In the early Church the godparents were sponsors who taught the new Christian, usually an adult, about the faith. Choose godparents who are likely to be around and have an interest in your child over the years.
There must be at least one person who is a Catholic, who has been baptised, confirmed and has received the Eucharist, and who lives a life worthy of the role that he or she is about to undertake, and who is at least sixteen years old. It is permissible for a non-Catholic to act as witness to your child's baptism.
For more information about Godparents click to download the following information leaflet:
The Role of a Godparent
Infant Baptism Schedule
Baptisms can be celebrated within any Sunday Mass, or in a separate celebration held every Sunday at 11.30am in the Church.
BOOKING FOR BAPTISM IS ESSENTIAL.
Prior to Baptism we ask the parents to attend a Baptism Preparation session held on held in the church at 6pm on the last Tuesday of each month, and attend a Sunday Mass in which we welcome your child into our Parish community.
Please contact the Parish Office for details, with any questions then download and return the following
Baptism Request Form
Adult Baptism
If you are an adult who has not been baptised a Christian, but are thinking about becoming a Catholic, then the first step is to contact the Parish Office and ask how we go about receiving people into the Church. Our church has a programme - the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) - which prepares people for Baptism.
Joining the Community
When you ask for Baptism you are asking to become a member of the Catholic Church. You will be expected to take part in the life of that community on a regular basis. You will find people who are welcoming and friendly.
Committing your life to God
Baptism is the sacrament in which we commit ourselves to God. We proclaim our faith in God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit and we promise to avoid evil and to do good.
The baptism ceremony for adults is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of godparents, adults have sponsors, whose role is to encourage you in the catholic faith. Traditionally adult baptisms take place during the ceremony of the Easter Vigil.
For more information on Adult Baptism in the Terrigal Parish please contact the Parish Office.