Baptism opens the soul to the flow of God’s love, and establishes union between the soul and God.
Welcome
It is always a joy for a family to welcome a child and the event of Baptism brings everyone together in such a unique way. The Baptismal Celebration, or as often called, our Christening Day does give a visible photo shoot of a gathered family – the iPad and phone cameras are in full use these days. How is it, that we the parish family don’t seem to lay claim to Welcoming our newest families into our faith community family as enthusiastically as the birth families? This program aims to use the pastoral hospitality of welcome, to extend and develop our St Flannan's parish community. We all can claim these newest children and their families in joyful, positive and creative ways with a connecting welcome to our faith-family.
Remember....
'It takes a whole village to raise a child and it takes a whole parish community to welcome our youngest child and family into our faith community’ Igbo and Yoruba (Nigerian) proverb
"Baptism is the sacrament through which we enter the church" (Lawrence 2006,p.7).This is the first sacrament of initiation which calls on one to be like Jesus. In Baptism, we celebrate what is called a communal faith. "We rely on the faith of the parents, and godparents and the larger community" (Lawrence 2006, p.19). These are the people who make the baptismal vow on the recipients behalf. Baptism cleanses us from original sin. "We are freed from sin in Baptism because we die to sin with Christ and rise to new life" (Lawrence 2006, p.20). This is represented in the baptismal ceremony when the priest pours holy water over the head to symbolize the washing away of sins. The priest, as well as the recipient of the sacrament are dressed in white gowns to represent new life, purity and innocence. Therefore, Baptism makes us children of God.
Steps toward Baptism
Our Parish Program meets with parents and children three times prior to the Baptism. Below is an overview of these meetings.
Meet the Families Those registered at the parish for Baptism will meet as per Parish schedule
What is Baptism? Families will look more closely at the history of Baptism and the symbolic meanings. Review of the Rites of Baptism Families and God Parents meet again to discuss and go through the steps of the Rite of Baptism in preparation for the Sunday ritual.
WHAT TO DO
Refer to the contact tab for information on how to contact the Parish Office (phone/mail/email/in person)
Register your interest in being baptised or having your child baptised
Information will be sent out/presented for you to review and consider
Register for Baptism - either using the form in the pack sent out
Depending on the number of others being baptised, you will be given a date and the details of dates for preparation meetings and activity completion.
The initial meeting will be for parents and child(ren) to meet and get to know each other as both new and existing members of the parish. The facilitator will discuss reasons that each family has chosen baptism and the importance of Godparents and their selection will also be discussed. At this time, information and workbooks will be given for completion before the next meeting (one week prior to baptism).
At the final meeting, parents and children again meet to review booklets, answer questions and review the rite of baptism in preparation for the big day.
At ANY time, questions can be directed to the facilitator (whose details will be in your information pack and on your booklet).
The below videos are for those still considering the sacrament of Baptism and wanting to know what the ceremony looks like or to better understanding WHY people are baptised.
This slide show has been beautifully prepared and presented by James Michael Farrell for the purpose of communicating to parents and families, the reason for Baptism and the significance of the symbolism associated with Baptism.
NOTE: **caution to parents with younger viewers In the second video, a young child is baptized by 'being dunked' as opposed to 'pouring' over the head. Please note that this is not commonly practiced and is NOT the procedure used at St Flannan's.
The following information outlines some of the processes that our community go through to welcome our new members to both the Church, School and our Parish. Further down are the symbols of baptism - clarifying why these are used in this welcome sacrament.
St Flannan's welcomes all new parishioners and their families. This includes new babies, new families, new and visiting adults. Details of how this is done within the parish are outlined below.
St Flannan's Baptismal Ministry Team
,Our Team consists of:
Team Co-ordinators (usually couples)
6-8 team members
The role of team coordinators is to:
maintain connections with the team
keep records of new members (through parish office)
organise and provide relevant/Parish approved documents to support parents in their role
organise and provide relevant/Parish approved documents for the selection and support of God parents
Organise relevant materials for welcome massess and tea/coffee/snacks
The role of team members is to:
offer support to the families
prepare the parents for the Sacrament of Baptism
plan the parish welcome/tea/coffee/snacks
offer a gift to the child for the Baptism e.g. white stole/candle/card
BAPTISIMAL TEAM INFORMATION: Each member of the Baptism Team has formation and briefing, to assist in their contribution to the parent couple while sharing with them at the ‘Preparation for Baptism’ session. The coordinator/s meet the team members’ bi-annually to review and evaluate the Presentation and Preparation Baptism Program. Also we do recruit new team members at this time. Formation of the team is vital to supporting all in their ministry and is offered on going resources and sharing for the team. To find out more about the Team or to register your interest, please contact the parish office via the contact page.
Presentation Day (Monthly)
Presentation Day Masses are an opportunity to welcome new members to our community and to welcome in preparation for Baptism. Families are welcomed by the team members as they come into the church. The Mass begins and the celebrant offers these families a very warm welcome. The Presentation ceremony follows straight on from the Homily.
The Celebrant welcomes all by name, child and parents and siblings and he invites them up to the sanctuary to be presented to the community.
Celebrant, parents and parish representatives are invited to make the sign of the Cross on each child after the celebrant.
A prayer of blessing is offered over the couples and their children by the celebrant while the community gathered raises their hands over the families.
The celebrant places a white stole around each child. Congratulations/applause by the congregation.
This Presentation and Preparation Sunday monthly is a requirement for all parents to attend prior to the Baptism of their child and is a positive way to introduce and welcome parishioners.
Hospitality and Welcome
Hospitality (tea/coffee/snacks) follows straight after the Mass of Presentation and is set in an attractive setting. Senior parishioners and school age parents will be hosting this hospitality. The older members of the Community are invited to greet and serve these families. Following the hospitality time, the Baptism Team take the couples/parent for a half hour preparation session in small groups. This process of two and a half hours (approx.) brings these young families into our parish largely for their first time.
Nurturing the initial experience of welcome
There are many opportunities to engage with the Parish to welcome new members and support existing parishioners. Some of these include:
Baptism Welcomers - Members of the Baptism Team roster themselves to ensure one or two attend the Baptism Sacrament as celebrated on the three Sundays each month. (One Sunday is reserved each month for the Presentation - Preparation hence no Baptisms on that day.)
Parish Nurturing - Personal invitations to Baptismal Families from Baptism to School Age children sent from the parish.
Play groups assisted and sponsored by School parents and retired grandparents. One or 2 per week of the school year
Parish Events e.g. Picnics, dinners and other social parish events that are intergenerational and inter-cultural providing opportunities for younger parents to participate as part of the community.
The WHOLE Parish is invited to support, with a priority focus, the care of our youngest families and involve them to participate in our parish community.
Symbols of Baptism
These symbols are set into a liturgical ritual for family groups to share with each other at the Baptism of their children. Prayers of Intercession are prepared and offered during the ceremony by the parents and godparents. Further information about these symbols and their use in the service will be provided during the preparation sessions for Baptism.
WATER life, growth, cleanliness
OIL sets apart royal priesthood servant of God's people