Baptism

BAPTISM IS THE GATEWAY TO THE SACRAMENTS AND NECESSARY FOR SALVATION BY ACTUAL RECEPTION OR AT LEAST BY DESIRE, IS VALIDLY CONFERRED ONLY BY A WASHING OF TRUE WATER WITH THE PROPER FORM OF WORDS.

In order to baptise a child under the age of seven in Oldcastle & Moylagh Parish, you have to live within our parish boundaries, or be a registered parishioner, or obtain proper authorisation from the parish that corresponds to your address, the parents of the baby or at least one of them or the person who legitimately takes their place must consent to the child being baptised and there must be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion. Regular participation in Sunday Mass is the chief way to inspire hope that the child will be brought up in the practice of the Catholic faith. If such hope is altogether lacking, and the child is not in immediate danger of death, the celebration of baptism will be delayed.

PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

  • Fill out a Baptism Registration form.
  • Submit a copy of the child’s birth certificate
  • Submit written permission from the parish in which you reside or worship, if other than Oldcastle & Moylagh.
  • Attend a Baptism Preparation Time.
  • Choose godparents One Male and One Female who will participate in the Catholic formation of the child.
  • Have godparents submit proof of their own baptism and confirmation.
  • Educate their children in their faith, especially by the way they live their own baptismal calling.
  • Attend Sunday Mass

GODPARENTS PREPARATION AND OBLIGATIONS

The role of the godfather and godmother is also important. They are chosen by the parents of the child to be baptised. They should be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptised to grow in their Catholic faith.

Church law requires that a godparent or sponsor be at least sixteen years old, have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and be a practicing Catholic.  A catholic person who has not completed his/her Christian initiation (that is, has not received First Communion and Confirmation), or if they are not catholic, they may serve as Christian witnesses but not as godparents.

Godparents or sponsors must submit proof of their own baptism and confirmation.

Only one godparent or sponsor is required. If there are two, there should be one of each sex. If one of the godparents cannot be present in person, he or she may appoint another person to represent him or her by proxy.

Baptism Dates and Arrangements

To book your child’s Baptism please contact the Parish Office.  The parents will be asked to collect or download a Baptismal Registration Form and bring a photocopy of the child’s Birth Certificate along with photographic identification. See link to Baptism form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we need to bring on the day of Baptism?

Apart from coming yourself and bringing your child to be baptised, you will need to bring a candle. You will also need to bring a white garment (usually a white shawl) which is used for your child as part of the ceremony. You may wish to bring a bottle or a soother if your child is an infant. However, do not worry about whether your child will cry during the ceremony. It is perfectly normal for infants to cry.

Do you do ‘private’ baptisms?

In having your child baptised, you are making a public statement that you intend to raise your child in the faith of the church. Your child becomes a member of the church family through baptism. It is an event that has significance beyond immediate family and friends. It is highly appropriate that other members of the Church be present. This is one of the reasons that we baptise children from several families and of different ages in the one ceremony.

Are there any regulations regarding who can be a Godparent?

A Godparent acts as a “Sponsor” for your child. He or she must be at least 16 years old and be a Confirmed member of the Church. Along with parents, Godparents are asked three times during the ceremony “Do you believe…” in the central beliefs of the Christian Faith. They have to be able to sincerely answer “I do”. They promise to support the parents in their task of raising the child in the faith of Christ. Inviting someone to be a Godparent who has no intention of passing on the faith to your child is to do your child a disservice. A baptised non-Catholic may act as a “Witness” for the child at a baptism and may also be termed a Godparent. This is in addition to the two Sponsors. Obviously, it is not a requirement of a non-Catholic Witness to promise to pass on the Catholic faith.

Is there a Fee?

It is normal for families to give a donation to the Church on the day of Baptism. There is no set fee.

We don’t live in the Parish. Can we still have our child baptised here?

If you do not live in our Parish, but have good reason to ask for the baptism to take place here, we need a letter of permission from your home Parish. We also require that you complete any preparation offered by your Parish.

Oldcastle Moylagh Parish