Baptism is a significant step in the life of a family. It is the beginning of the child's journey of faith towards God as Father.
Celebrating a baptism is more than a private family celebration. Sometimes this sacrament is called the sacrament of 'christening' whereby a child becomes a member of the Christian family who will support parents in their responsibility for the Christian upbringing of their child.
Through baptism, we are incorporated into Jesus Christ. We are formed into God’s people and raised from our natural condition to the dignity of adopted children. We become a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit.
Today, infant baptism is seen as the parents and the whole community witnessing a celebration of the presence of Jesus continuing in the world. Parents and the community commit themselves to walk in faith with the child and renew their own relationship with Jesus Christ.
Parents are the first educators of their children. It is their responsibility to bring their child up in the faith by their guidance and example. In the baptism ceremony, parents renew their own commitment to Christ in the Church, and pledge to live out the ways of Christ in their daily lives.
Godparents agree to assist and support the parents in leading this child into the ways of Christ They represent the community of believers into which the child is being baptised hence they must be members of the Catholic Church, who have themselves received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist. In the baptism liturgy they, too, renew their commitment to Christ in the Church in the same way as the parents, promising to follow Christ.
The faith community promises to be supportive of the child, the parents and godparents in the child’s growth in faith.
Ideally, baptism preparation for parents takes place within the parish community, along with other parents who are also awaiting the birth of their child.
It can also take place between the priest and the parents either in the intimacy of their home or in their parish centre.
Parishes offer resources to prepare parents for their child’s baptism.
Visit your diocesan website to get contact your parish for details of their courses.
Heavenly Father
Giver of life and all the gifts we share,
look with love and tenderness on us.
Bless our lives, and help us to reflect the love Christ has for us.
Fill us with your love, and let us bring your light into our family.
Help us to nurture love in our child’s life, and offer guidance on his/her journey of faith.
Bless us, Father, in our own journey, as we give you praise and glory.
We ask this grace through Christ our Lord, in the love of your Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
Copyright 2008 Catholic Communications for the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
