baptism fact sheet - St. Joseph´s Catholic Church …

1 Who can be a Godparent?It is more than just an honour to be asked to be a godparent to a must choose wisely. A godparent is to be a source of strength, support and encouragement to the parents in the bringing up of their children in the godparent is sufficient; but you may have two in which case, one should be male and the other female. To help you decide the Church lays down criteria:To be a godparent, a person must be:Appointed by the candidate, their parents/guardians or the priest and they must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it. At least sixteen years of age. [A godparent should have the maturity of faith before they take on the responsibility of guiding another soul.]A [practising] confirmed Catholic who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken; [Members of the Orthodox Church may also act as godparents]Be in communion with the ChurchNot be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptised.

2 [the role of godparents is separate.] baptism Checklist Contact Fr Neil to arrange the baptism date and book on the baptism Preparation Course Complete baptism Form from Fr Neil Choose the Godparents and make sure they are available! Attend the baptism Preparation Course Agree readings and arrange for readers (family and friends) if required ON THE DAY: remember a white shawl/ blanket it is customary to give a donation to the Church or parish priestST JOSEPH S Catholic CHURCH281 SKIPTON RD, HARROGATE01423 504124 ST JOSEPH S HARROGATE This factsheet gives you some background information on baptism . We will talk through any queries you have at our baptism Preparation symbolsWe use a number of symbols during the Rite of baptism . These include Water, the Lighted Candle, Oil of Chrism and a White we talk about the meaning of each SymbolswaterWater, which gives as well as takes life is a symbol of both life and death.

3 When we are baptised into the death of Jesus, we die with him upon the cross. When Jesus dies so does all sin and death. Our baptism does not end in death but continues with life. As Jesus is raised from the dead by the Father and given new life, so are we through the waters of baptism , raised to life in Jesus Christ. The waters of baptism wash away Original Sin and make us a new creation in candleThe Light of Christ is passed on to us in the form of a lit candle, which was lit from the Paschal Candle that was blessed at the Easter Vigil. We are called to be the light of Christ in the world and we are asked to keep that light burning brightly. the oil of chrismChrism is a perfumed olive oil consecrated by the Bishop during Holy Week. This oil is used to anoint the crown of the head of the person being baptised. In ancient times men and women were anointed to be proclaimers of God's message to the world.

4 We are anointed to bring the good news to others by the way that we live our lives. We are anointed priest, prophet and king just as Christ white garmentOnce we have been claimed for Christ through the water of life we are clothed in a white garment. This white garment, the Church , tells us is an outward sign of our Christian dignity. Once we have put on Christ, we are to always walk as His rite of baptismThe service includes the following four parts:The rite of baptismThe service includes the following four parts:Reception of the childThe parents and godparents present the child for baptismCelebration of God s wordOne or more scripture passages are readCelebration of the SacramentThe baptism takes place at the fontConclusion of the RiteThis includes the Our Father and a blessing