Sacred Heart Parish - Belfast - 2012
Requirements for Baptism:
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please register your child for baptism with the parish office
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bring the LONG civil birth certificate with you when you register your child for baptism
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complete the parish baptismal preparation course
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please note: one godparent is sufficient - if there are two: one is male and one is female - they should be over 16 years of age and practising their faith
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if you are having your child baptised in a parish other than the one you live in - please provide a letter of release from the parish you live in
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be punctual for the baptismal preparation course and for the baptism of your child in the Church
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The baptism of your child begins the journey to God the Father, with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. This journey finishes with the entry of your child into eternal life in the kingdom of God.
In that journey your child will encounter the Holy Spirit of God in God’s word and in God’s people. Your child will meet Jesus, the Son of God through giving and receiving love, in prayer, in the Church and in its Sacraments.
In that journey your child will encounter the Holy Spirit of God in God’s word and in God’s people. Your child will meet Jesus, the Son of God through giving and receiving love, in prayer, in the Church and in its Sacraments.
Your child will have the opportunity to live with God the Father for ever. Following careful thought and preparation you bring your child to church to ask for Baptism. This is a public sign of your own faith and trust in God’s love. The ceremony of Baptism speaks powerfully of God’s love. As you participate in this ceremony, you are drawn more deeply into this everlasting love.
Welcoming
The ceremony begins with a warm welcome to your child, to you and your family from the priest on behalf of the Christian community - the Church. He asks what name you have given your child and whether you accept the responsibility of bringing up your child in the practice of the faith.
The ceremony begins with a warm welcome to your child, to you and your family from the priest on behalf of the Christian community - the Church. He asks what name you have given your child and whether you accept the responsibility of bringing up your child in the practice of the faith.
Washing
Water is the symbol of life: for without water there will be no life. Water also makes us clean. Baptism signifies the new life and our cleansing from sin when Jesus rose from the dead. The water is blessed. You are asked to renew the vows which were made for you at your own baptism. Then the priest pours the baptismal water over your child’s head three times, saying: “N., I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Water is the symbol of life: for without water there will be no life. Water also makes us clean. Baptism signifies the new life and our cleansing from sin when Jesus rose from the dead. The water is blessed. You are asked to renew the vows which were made for you at your own baptism. Then the priest pours the baptismal water over your child’s head three times, saying: “N., I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Worshipping
Your child is now a Christian. Following an ancient custom your child is anointed with Oil of Chrism. “Christ” means “anointed one” - for Jesus was given special work to do. He suffered, died and rose again in order to unite us to his Father in heaven. Your child has the special work of living as a member of Christ’s body - the Church. In this he or she will be helped by celebrating the other sacraments and, in particular, participating in the Eucharist.
Your child is now a Christian. Following an ancient custom your child is anointed with Oil of Chrism. “Christ” means “anointed one” - for Jesus was given special work to do. He suffered, died and rose again in order to unite us to his Father in heaven. Your child has the special work of living as a member of Christ’s body - the Church. In this he or she will be helped by celebrating the other sacraments and, in particular, participating in the Eucharist.
Witnessing
Your child has been given the Spirit of Christ and so can reveal this life to the world. A white garment is placed on your child to show that he or she is a new creation clothed in Christ. Finally the family is given a candle to light from the paschal candle. This symbolises the light of Christ which will shine on, and through, your child, for life.
Baptism Preparation Meeting
on 2nd Monday of the month at 7 pm
in Sacred Heart Church
on 2nd Monday of the month at 7 pm
in Sacred Heart Church
1st & 2nd Sunday of the month at 2 pm
in Sacred Heart Church
3rd Sunday of the month at 2 pm
in Our Lady’s Church
in Sacred Heart Church
3rd Sunday of the month at 2 pm
in Our Lady’s Church
| Calendar |
| The Parish |
| Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament |
| Sacraments |
| Baptism |
| Reconciliation |
| Anointing of the Sick |
| Parish Community Centre |
| Parish Groups |
| Parish Schools |
| Parish Pastoral Council |
| Prayer Group |
| SPRED |
| St Vincent de Paul |
| Our Lady's Girls PS |
| St Gemma's HS |
| Advent |
| Getting to Know God |
| Our Lady of Perpetual Help |
| Our Lady's Prayer |
| St Patrick's Prayer |
| Where God Lives |
| Advent Wreath |
| Sites of Interest |