Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment to the Church. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

A person who is baptized enters into the life of Christ, becomes part of Christ, is a member of the Body of Christ.‘Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.’ St Paul to the Romans 6: 3-4

Visit our Baptism teams page for information on booking and preparing for a baptism.

The signs and symbolism of Baptism

The sign of the cross

A sign on something shows its origins or ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians for Jesus Christ died on the cross. Parents and god-parents trace it on the child’s forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life.
 

Water

This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin with which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours.

The child is baptized using the symbol of water and the words, ‘I baptize you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’
 

Oils

Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the fight ahead.

Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of your child at baptism will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation when Oil of Chrism will be used again.

The oils are blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday.
 

White Garment

This garment (usually a white shawl) is a relic of the new clothes worn by Christians after baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection.
 

Candles

These symbolise Christ – the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit form the Paschal Candle, which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child’s life; and its flame symbolises the flame of faith which will burn through the life of your child.
 

Baptismal register

Your baby’s baptism will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. In the years ahead proof of baptism may be obtained in form of a certificate issued on the basis of this registration. Your child’s confirmation, marriage or ordination will also be noted alongside this entry in the register.