Baptism

Baptism is a unique celebration; it’s about being born into the Christian family and beginning one’s journey of faith. It is a very important occasion in the life of the child, their family and in the life of the parish community and it is something that should be carefully planned and prepared for. 

The very fact that you have asked to have your child baptised shows that you recognise the importance of God in your life and in theirs. By asking for your child to be Baptised, you are making a promise to bring your child up in the faith and you are asking your parish community to help you to do that.

Your child’s baptism is the beginning of a new life in which you can grow closer to one another, in the family of God. Your efforts in the years to come will not only help your child to grow in the love of God, but they will also help you to grow in your faith.

You are encouraged to choose your child’s Godparents with care, they will have a special role to play in the life of your child and they too are being called to share their faith. It’s important to think about the name you give to your child and it’s preferable that you include a name which has some religious significance.

We look forward to meeting with you and your family at the Baptism Ceremony and we look forward to welcoming your child into our Parish family.

It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John. No sooner had he come up out of the water than he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven,

“You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.”

Baptism is the Church’s sacrament of welcome and the gateway to the other sacraments of initiation – Confirmation and Eucharist.

Baptism celebrates the love God has for each of us. Through its celebration, the Church welcomes a new member and affirms him/her as a child of God, a follower of Christ, a member of the body of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. 

Beyond Baptism, the journey of faith is to become what we already are – daughters and sons of God, brothers and sisters in Christ. We make this journey in our daily lives, hopefully with the support of family and the Church community.

When we celebrate Baptism, the whole community is called to welcome the new member. Every Baptism should be an opportunity for the community to renew its commitment to God and to the Church. The celebration reminds us of the need to support one another on our journeys of faith. Baptism invites us to be active members of the Body of Christ, the Church.

The central role in passing on faith belongs to the parents & guardians. It is they who will be role models of faith for their children. It is in their home that children need to learn to experience trust, love, faith, hope & commitment in order for their faith to grow. Within the Rite of Baptism itself, the presence of godparents reminds parents/guardians that they are not alone in this task. Their loving affection for the baptised child expresses the care of the whole Christian family. Baptism is the common starting point of all Christians. It means that there is a fundamental equality between us all – old and young, rich and poor, men and women, native and stranger. All Christians are graced with the same dignity. The valid Baptism of non Catholics is respected as much as Catholic Baptism. This means that Baptism need never be repeated

Baptising your child in Armagh Parish

Booking

All baptisms should be booked through the Parish Office (02837522813). Baptisms take place each Saturday at 5pm in St Colmcille’s Church, Knockaconey; at 5:30pm in St Malachy’s Church and at 10.45am each Sunday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tullysaran.

Preparation

Preparation is a key element of any significant celebration in our lives. When a child is presented for Baptism, the family will be invited to participate in some form of preparation. In our Parish we help you to prepare through our Parish Baptism Programme.

Registration

It is usual for the name of the child to be entered in the parish baptism register in the same form as the civil register. It is important, therefore, that the correct information has been provided at the time of booking.

Godparents

Godparents must be baptised and confirmed Catholics who are committed to sharing their faith with their godchild. They must be sixteen years of age or more. While it is possible to have one godparent, there is usually one male and one female godparent. It is permitted for a baptised non-Catholic to act as a “witness” (instead of one godparent).

Getting Ready

On the day of Baptism, bring a white shawl with you to the Church and your child’s baptismal candle will be provided. The candle should be kept in a safe place as it will be needed at the time of First Communion and Confirmation. This candle could also be lit on your child’s birthday and/or on a special family occasion.

The suggested donation for baptism is £30, and this can paid into the Parish Office or given to the priest on the day.