Some people think of baptism as a ritual or a ceremony that needs to be "done". They even speak of
baptism as having the baby "done". This is most unfortunate. The Sacrament of Baptism is a child's
birth into the Christian community and is in every way as solemn and as important an event as the
birth itself. It is an event that needs to be prepared for.
The most important preparation on the part of the parents is to look at their own faith. As a baby
is born with its parent's features and will pick up their mannerisms as he or she grows up, so too
will the child grow in faith - the faith of the parents. The blessing on the father of the child
during the rite of baptism includes these words: "He and his wife will be the first teachers of
their child in the ways of faith. May they be the best teachers, bearing witness to God by all
they say and do." This is why, when parents approach a priest for the sacrament of baptism for
their child, he will want to be assured that your faith is precious to you.
The request for baptism for a child is seen by the Church as a sign that the parents recognise the
importance of God in their lives and earnestly seek to share this relationship with their child.
The time of preparation for baptism is an opportunity to strengthen that faith or to revisit that
faith - in the case of those who have lapsed from the practise of their faith. The parish priest
and the parish community offer whatever help and support is needed by new parents who wish to either
renew or revisit their faith. A baby's baptism is the beginning of a new life in which the parents
and their family grow closer to one another and closer to God.
Through the celebration of baptism, the parish welcomes the child into its midst with love and prayers.
We also offer practical support in the form of a three week preparation course for parents. In this
way we assist the parents in ensuring that their child is given the best possible opportunity to grow
in faith and love for God. This pre-baptism preparation course is held once a quarter. The dates are
advertised well in advance in the weekly parish bulletin. The course is conducted by couples in
the parish and is held in their homes. As parents, they are able to share their own
personal experience of faith and Christian family life with the new parents. Those who have already
attended a baptism course here at Our Lady of Fatima or at another parish, will not be required
to attend a course again.
