Baptism is such a special time for you, your family and the whole Church. Whether you are bringing a baby or child for baptism or desire baptism for yourself, we want everyone to know they are loved by God and welcome in our community. Your local parish is the best place to get started with organising the celebration of this sacrament, and they can tell you more about the way baptism is celebrated in your community.
Baptism is the first of the Church’s sacraments. It welcomes us into a Christian community and incorporates us into the Church. Through Baptism, we are ‘reborn’ as daughters and sons of God.
In the Sacrament of Baptism, water is poured on the child (or adult) and the priest says the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Parents who ask to have their children baptised accept the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith and bringing them up to keep God’s commandments.
Baptism symbols
There are four key symbols of Baptism:
- Water is the central symbol of Baptism. Because water is essential to all life, the water of Baptism symbolises the life-giving grace that sustains all those who have become children of God.
- Oil is used twice in the ceremony. Before the Baptism, the child’s chest is smeared with the Oil of Catechumens as a sign of healing and strengthening. Afterwards, the crown of the child’s head is anointed with perfumed chrism as a symbol of joy and thanksgiving, and a sign that as they are now joined to Christ, they too are priest, prophet and royal.
- The white garment with which the newly baptised is then clothed symbolises their new life in Christ and is ‘the outward sign of Christian dignity’.
- A baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle beside the font and presented to the newly baptised as a sign of the light of Christ.
Where does Baptism take place?
Baptism is about being made a part of the community of faith, so Baptisms are normally conducted during Sunday Mass or with several other families at another time on Sunday in the parish church.
Some parishes do not hold Baptisms during Lent which is a time of penance and preparation for the sacraments.
Parents sometimes ask whether their baby can be baptised in a school chapel or other place which has some meaning to them as individuals, but it is more appropriate for Baptism to take place in the local parish community into which they will be welcomed.
Godparents
Godparents are chosen as Christian role models and mentors and they agree to help the parents bring their child up in the practice of the faith. The Church requires that a godparent:
- is at least 16 years old,
- is not a parent of the child,
- must have been confirmed and received first Holy Communion, and
- needs to live a life of faith which will be an example and support to their godchild.
Your local parish will be pleased to support your planning for your child’s Baptism. Liturgy Brisbane also has a resource available to help you plan to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism.