Baptism is the first sacrament of Initiation and symbolizes and celebrated the beginning of a new life in Jesus Christ.

Baptism welcomes the person into a faith and a faith community …..the Church.

The ceremony of Baptism is of huge significance, it is a lifetime sacrament and also a wonderful celebration.

Baptisms  takes place weekly in St. Patrick’s parish on Sundays at 2.00pm in St. Patrick’s church. Baptisms must be booked in advance by calling to the office in St. Patrick’s Presbytery, Roden Place.

As part of the preparation for the ceremony of Baptism, parent/parents must attend a preparation/information meeting with St. Patrick’s Parish Baptismal Team.

This is an informal meeting to discuss the implications and deep meaning of this wonderful sacrament. The meeting will cover such issues as signs and symbols of Baptism, the format which the ceremony will take and the areas of opportunity and responsibility on the part of the parent/parents. The preparation meeting lasts for approximately one hour.

Attendance at the preparation meeting must be booked in advance and can be arranged simultaneously with the booking of the Baptism ceremony.

Meetings take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8.00p.m. in St. Patrick’s Presbytery.

Further information can be obtained from:

Ann Henry, (Parish Secretary) St. Patrick’s Presbytery: 042-9334648

or

Clare Clarke: Baptismal Team Member 087/2292683

If you wish to have your child baptised in St. Patrick’s Parish you must comply with the following requirements:

Baptisms must be booked at the Parish Office, in the presbytery  three weeks before your desired date of baptism. Baptisms take place at 2.00p.m. every Sunday in St. Patrick’s Church.
 
When you book your child’s baptism at the presbytery, you will be given a card to fill in. Please bring this card with all relevant information provided to the church on the day of Baptism. Please give it to  the priest prior to baptism.

Each child must have one at least one sponsor. Although this is sufficient there may be two, one of each sex.

At least one of the parents must be a baptised and practising Catholic.

The sponsor (male & female) must be a practising Catholic over 16 years. who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation. A person of another Christian faith may not be a sponsor but may act as a  witness to the baptism  with a sponsor .

A stipend is required for each baptism. This goes towards the running cost of the parish. The amount you contribute will depend on your financial  circumstances. Please give this to the priest on the day of baptism.

There will be a one hour preparation evening on  Baptism, which the parent/parents are expected to attend prior to your child’s baptism.  This is facilitated by the Parish Baptismal  Team. When you have completed this preparation evening, please ask the facilitator to sign the relevant form.