Bringing something as precious as a
new life into our world is one of the greatest miracles. It
brings with it many joys and blessings as well as hard work
and responsibilities.
The love you have for your child is part of the love God has
for us all. In the sacrament of Baptism, God our Father
shows us this love. Through this Sacrament, your child will
become in a very special way a part of God’s family, the
Church. As you prepare for your child’s baptism, we hope
that you will know more deeply how much God loves you and
your baby.
Some Important Roles
The Parents
The parents ask for the baptism of the child.
In doing do, parents who are themselves baptised are in fact
agreeing to take on the responsibilities of training the
child in the practice of the faith, and bringing up their
child in the way of Christ. This includes:
- telling the child about God who loves us and
about Jesus our friend
- teaching the child how to pray
- instilling Christian values in the child
- teaching the child how to be a good Christian,
through example
- bringing the child to Church to pray at Mass,
especially on Sundays and days of obligation
- ensuring that the child receives a proper
education
Non-Catholic parents who give their consent for baptism
do not need to do anything that is against their religious
or personal beliefs. Nevertheless, they are invited:
- to be involved in the life of faith of their
child
- to be fully aware of the meaning and implication
of baptism
- to be open to discuss with their spouse any
reservations/differences they may have, and to speak
with the Church’s minister if they wish
The Godparents
Godparents have 2 important functions:
- they represent the Church into which the child
is being baptised
- they agree to assist and support the parents in
the Catholic upbringing of the child, by word,
action and good example
Parents may choose up to 2 official Godparents. At least
one Godparent must be a practising member of the Catholic
Church and over the age of 16.
Godparents should be chosen with care. They should be
persons who will be an example to your child of what it
means to follow Jesus, and should fully understand and
accept the responsibility that they are undertaking.
Procedures
- Infant Baptisms are normally held in the afternoon
on the first Sunday of each month.
- Parents & Godparents are required to attend
preparatory sessions before the baptism. The infant will
not be baptised unless parents & Godparents attend this
session.
- For more details, please email Gerard Hooi
infantbaptism@gmail.com
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