Baptism
You are invinted to have you child Baptised within the parish
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To book a date online use the below link.
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For Adults wishing to be Baptised please contact the Parish Office.
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and is considered the gateway to the other sacraments. It is a sacrament of initiation, welcoming the individual into the Christian community and marking the beginning of their spiritual life.
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Key elements of Baptism include:
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Significance: Baptism cleanses the person from original sin, imparts sanctifying grace, and incorporates the individual into the body of Christ, the Church. It signifies the person's rebirth as a child of God and a member of the Christian community.
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Ritual: The baptismal ceremony involves several important steps:
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Water: The essential element of Baptism is water, which is poured over the person's head or the person is immersed in water. The celebrant (usually a priest or deacon) says the Trinitarian formula: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
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Anointing with Chrism: The person is anointed with holy oil (chrism), signifying the Holy Spirit's presence and the person's new identity in Christ.
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White Garment: The newly baptized often wears a white garment, symbolizing purity and new life.
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Baptismal Candle: A candle lit from the Paschal candle is given to the newly baptized or their godparents, representing the light of Christ.
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Participants: Baptism can be administered to infants, children, and adults. In the case of infants, parents and godparents vow to raise the child in the faith. For older children and adults, Baptism often follows a period of instruction (catechesis).
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Symbols: Key symbols in Baptism include water (cleansing and new life), oil (anointing and the Holy Spirit), the white garment (purity and new life), and the candle (light of Christ).
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Baptism is a deeply significant sacrament as it marks the individual's entry into the Christian faith, provides the foundation for a life of grace, and establishes the person as a member of the Church community. It is celebrated with joy and reverence, often within the context of a larger church service.
What to expect when your Child is Baptised in our Parish
Book online via the Parish Website
You will be invited to a Baptism Prep evening at Our Ladys Parish Centre
Your Childs Baptism will take place on the date a time you picked at Our Lady Star of the Sea
Book online at: rcchep.co.uk/book-online - This allows Parents to pick a date for there Child Baptism at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ellesmere Port
To understand the significance of the sacrament of baptism, its theological foundations, and the responsibilities involved. The meeting typically includes an overview of the baptismal ceremony, discussion of the commitments being made, practical details about the day of the baptism, and an opportunity to ask questions.
The service includes readings, prayers, and a profession of faith by the parents and godparents on behalf of the child. The central act of the baptism involves the priest pouring water over the candidate’s head while invoking the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The child is then anointed with chrism (holy oil), symbolizing their initiation into the Christian community, and welcomed into the church with blessings and the lighting of a baptismal candle.
