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Baptisms

(4 weeks notice)

Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.00pm

Please make your booking at the Parish Office (tel. 3346465)


The Sacrament of Baptism

Firstly, we want to congratulate you on the birth of your child. We also want to welcome this new born child into our parish.

It is important to prepare well for all sacraments. Baptism is the first sacrament of the Church. The more we are prepared, the more the love of God given to us through the sacraments can bear fruit in our lives.

Parents are the first and most important people to pass on faith to their child. In Longford Parish we have set up a Baptism Programme to help parents as they bring their child for Baptism.

The first thing to do is to give at least four weeks notice and to book your child’s baptism at the Parish Office in the Presbytery. The Parish will then write to you about two to three weeks before the date you booked and will invite you to a meeting on a Monday night at 8.00pm in the Family Centre on St. Mel’s Road.

There two members of the Baptism Team will help you reflect on the sacrament of Baptism by means of input, a short DVD, discussion and prayer. They will talk about the ceremony on the day and answer any questions you may have. The meeting lasts less that an hour and finishes with a cup of tea. There will also be a visit to your house by a Parish sister in the weeks before the Baptism and the priest celebrating the Baptism will call in the days immediately before the Baptism.

Your child's Baptism will be a special moment for you and your family. It will also be a special moment for our parish as we welcome your child into the Christian Community.

• Parents are to bring a Baptism candle and a separate White Garment.
• The name that you give your child is important.
• Each child has one or more usually two godparents. They are to be Catholic, have received Confirmation and at least 16 years of age.

• The extended family members are all welcome to participate in the Baptism ceremony.



A Parent's Blessing

When you were born
Our hearts were so full of happiness
That there was no room in us for words.

When you were growing
Our hearts were so full of care for you
That we spoke soothingly
And sometimes sharply.
Fearful for your safety,
But always in the deepest places of our hearts
We spoke lovingly.

Today,
As we watch you
Moving forward with your friends
We marvel at all you have done
And become
Our spirits sing praise to God
For the gift that is you.
And, though our hearts
Have stretched to love others,
Yet, there is still a place within us
That is yours and only yours,
Always.

For the light you have shone on us,
For the life you have called us to,
For the special gift of God
You are now, and will ever be,
Thank You

 

Godparent's Prayer

Lord, I thank you that

[Name of Child]

has become by Baptism
a member of Your Church.
May they grow in faith
all the days of their life.
Lord help me to carry out
the responsibilities of Godparent
that I have undertaken

Amen.