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 Parent Consent Single parent Marriage outside Church A child's death Godparents Godparents Emergency Baptism Prayer of Thanksgiving Prayer of Dedication Hospitality of the Parish Parish Membership
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Some denominations allow only adult baptism. But the Catholic Church encourages baptism of infants born of Catholic parents. Infant baptism can be documented as far back as the early third century, and it probably existed earlier. In the case of infant baptism, parents, godparents and the whole community will surround a child with care. Through their profession of faith, children may receive the grace of baptism. Therefore the chu rch depends on the faith commitment of the parents and the godparents for Infant baptism. The parents are giving their child a home, a family, food, clothing, and a cultural heritage. Baptism is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their child. |
To raise the child in the faith requires the cooperation of the parents. In order to baptise, the consent of at least one of the parents who has the custody of the child is required. The consenting parent should be a Catholic.Sometimes parents disagree on the issue of infant baptism. If one of the parents desires baptism and the other tolerates it, your child may be baptised. If one parent desires baptism and the other opposes it, your pastor will be seeking a fuller agreement with both the parties before baptising the baby.
Sometimes the child has only one parent. It could be due to separation of the parents, unmarried relationship, or adoption of the child by a single person. In such cases, the child will be baptised on the guarantee of that one parent’s faith.
If the parents were married outside the Church and would like to have their child baptised in the Catholic Church, there is a need to discuss it with the priest. The priest will advise you on the possibilities. If you decide to take steps toward having your marriage recognised by the church, the pastor may be able to help you with that too.
Some children tragically loose their lives before their baptism can be celebrated. In such cases, our church urges the parents not to despair, but to commend their child to the loving providence of God, who certainly can offer salvation even without baptism. In such trying situations the church extends the consolation of Christian funeral for the unbaptised.
The godparents play a significant role on the day of the baptism, and they will establish one of the primary relationships in your child’s life. No one knows what kind of person your child will be, but you can help develop that personality by surrounding your child with people you love and admire.The cultural expectation of the godparents varies very much from culture to culture. The church’s expectation is that Godparents represent the Catholic community and pledge their support to you in raising the child in faith.
Eligibility for Godparents:
Though it is not an obligation, the church prefers that the godparent serve again as the sponsor at the confirmation.
Can a Catholic married outside the church serve as a godparent?
The church expects a godparent to lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. If a person you are considering is not married in the church, you will need to consider that fact as you decide upon their qualifications to be a godparent.
Is the godparent expected to be a person who attends church regularly?
It makes sense if they do so. After all, you are asking this person to assist you in bringing up your child within the catholic faith community. It is desirable that they live what they say they believe.
How many godparents should there be?
You are only required to have one godparent. You may have two. The church offers no provision for anymore. But in some cultures there is the tradition of having many sponsors present at the service. There is nothing wrong with more sponsors.
What gender the godparent should be?
If you choose only one godparent, you are free to choose a male or a female. The godparent need not be of the same sex as the child or vice versa. However if you wish to have two godparents, it is desirable to have them of different sexes
.Can a non-Catholic serve as Godparent?
For a Catholic baptism a Catholic or a member of one of the Orthodox Churches can be a godparent. However a member of a Protestant Church may serve as a witness to the ceremony. The name of the Christian witness may be entered into the parish register of baptism along with that of the godparent.
Can the same godparents have responsibility for more than one child, especially in the same family?
Yes. As long as they take seriously their responsibility and intention to help the children grow in faith, godparents may accept several children.
Does the godparent have to come from the family?
Not at all.
Can someone who lives far away be godparent?
Yes. Though the church presumes that the godparents participate in the ritual of baptism, when it is not practically possible, someone may serve as a proxy. The proxy is to be selected by the godparent.
If your relationship with the godparent fades or sours after your child is baptised, can you have the records changed in the parish?
No. No details of the record in the parish cannot be changed later for any reason.
When are the Baptisms Celebrated in St Felix Church?
Fr. Dominic will celebrate baptisms by appointment. Baptism preparations are held on the first Sunday of every month.
If the life of the child is threatened, he or she should be baptised without delay. If a priest is available, he will confirm the child as well, even if your child is only an infant. If neither a priest nor a deacon is available, anyone may baptise by immersing or pouring water on your child and reciting these words, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The one baptising does not need to be a Catholic, or even a Christian, as long as he or she has the intent of the church.If the child recovers, organise with the parish office for the rest of the baptism ritual – like anointing with Chrism, Lighting of the candle, and so on. The office will also record the baptism in the parish records for future reference.
Prayer of Thanksgiving at Home
Your prayer of thanksgiving for your beloved child could start much before the baptism. In the weeks before your child is baptised, gather with your family to dedicate your child to God.
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
All: Amen
Reader: A reading from the Gospel
according to Mark.
( Read Mark 10:13-16 from your Bible)
(After the Gospel Reading)
Father/Mother:
Source of all blessings,
Protector of infants,
look with favour on our child, (name).
Hold him/her gently in your hands.
When he/she is reborn of water
and the Holy Spirit,
bring him/her into the Church,
there to share in your Kingdom
and with us to share your name for ever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
The parish community is responsible for full, conscious, and active participation in the celebration of baptism in the church. To make this hospitality practical, we have a team of volunteers, baptismal team. They take turns to help with the preparation and celebration of baptisms in the church. After you have made inquiries with the parish office about the baptism of your child, the Baptism team will make contact with you. They do this as an answer to their Christian vocation and on behalf of the parish community. They will also try to be available at the preparation session and at the celebration of the sacrament.The team members include Beverley Lamaro, Denise Ashe, John Ashe and Gloria Booby. They will do their best to provide support and resource to parents.‘Rite of Baptism of Children’ #5.1 instructs that parents are to be provided with suitable means of preparation for the rite of baptism. Therefore all parents and if possible godparents are invited to attend a session of preparation before baptism. Usually it is done on the first Sunday each month. But you need to confirm the date with the parish office or the baptism team.
All those who have chosen to worship at St Felix on a regular basis are considered parishioners. This includes a fair number of people living outside the geographical boundary of the parish. But if you do not attend any church, yet you were a Catholic by baptism, and live in the geographical boundary of the parish, then you will be considered as a parishioner here. With baptism, the church discourages “shopping around for a church and encourages getting active with your parish church. This is not meant to limit your freedom; it is meant to help you make connections with your parish community.Some of the parents who apply for the baptism of their children are already deeply involved in the life of the parish. Others are not. Many couples who come for baptism have not spent much time at church since they were prepared for their wedding. Baptism is one of those moments when families and the parish feel the attraction for each other. It is an opportunity for everyone to get reacquainted and to grow.So if you are looking for a church for a baptism the way you might look for a hairdresser or a restaurant you may be in for a surprise. The church is looking for something more. The church is looking for a relationship. If you have not made that connection yet, give us a chance. If you have tried and things are not going your way, tell us how we can work it out. Your parish wants to be a good companion for you, a steady friend.St Felix has much more to offer than baptism. The contacts you make now with the parish clergy, baptism team and other parishioners can create relationships that will help you through out your life and the life of your child.May be you have not yet settled in Bankstown parish area or not sure of it. Even so this is your home now, and the contact you make with St Felix is invaluable.It is important to register as a member of the parish. If you haven’t done it yet, registration forms are available in the foyer of the church.
Remember, a good disciple does not just receive from a church, but gives as well. Probably you may have learned this principle in marriage or in other close relationships. In bringing your child to church for baptism, you are asking for the whole package. Not just a special ceremony, but a community of worship, commitment, life and service. It is a wonderful world that is yours to share with your child.