Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism marks the beginning of our life of faith.

In Baptism we are welcomed into God's family and begin the journey of getting to know and understand the meaning of God's love.

Baptism means to ‘immerse, plunge or dip'. Jesus himself was baptised or ‘plunged' in the river Jordan by John. The sign of the Holy Spirit was seen, and the Father's voice was heard, “This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.” (Matt.3:17)

The essential rite of Baptism consists of the priest immersing the baby or person in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

Baptism conveys a permanent sign that the new Christian is a child of God.

At St. Patrick's, there are two programs of preparation for the sacrament of baptism depending on the age of the person wanting to be baptised:

For Baptism of a Child, click here.

Baptism of an Adult

The majority of Catholics are baptised into membership of the Church as a baby or child and grow up in an environment where the Church is always part of their lives.

Some people, however, are moved by the Holy Spirit to consciously and freely seek baptism later in their life journey.

During the first centuries, the growth of the Church came very largely through the baptism of adults. In recent years, the Church has returned to many of these first century ceremonies for welcoming adults who seek baptism into the life of Christ.

This journey of faith, this period of reflection and discovery, and the ceremonies that accompany it have been brought together in a programme the Church calls ‘The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults' or ‘RCIA'.

Click here for information regarding the RCIA programme.

The Celebration of Baptism

Regardless of the person's age, the wonderful sacrament of Baptism is celebrated as follows:

• Gathering – those who are being baptised, their families, friends and the church community gather together.
• Welcome – words of welcome are exchanged. The names that have been chosen for baptism are announced and all present unite in the opening prayers.
• The Word – everyone present listens to the word of God read from Scripture
• Prayers – prayers are offered to those who are to be baptised, for their families, friends and all who are present.
• Oil of Baptism – the prepare for Baptism, the candidate is anointed with Oil of Baptism as a sign of Christ's power in overcoming evil
• Vows – all present renew their own baptismal vows
• Water – the baptism takes place as the priest pours holy water over the forehead three times as he says the words of baptism
• Oil of Chrism – the newly baptised are then anointed with Oil of Chrism as a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Like Christ, the one baptised in now an “anointed one”.
• White cloth – as a sign of being a new creation clothed in Christ, the one who has been baptised is now covered with a white cloth
• Candle – as a sign of the light of Christ now present in the newly baptised, a candle is presented and lit from the paschal or Easter candle
• Blessing – final prayers and a blessing are given that all present may love and serve the Lord in peace and goodwill.