Catholic Faith and Baptism
A child may only be baptised into the Catholic faith if at least one parent is a Catholic because of the need for the priest to have an expectation that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. Parents will usually be expected to go to pre-baptism preparation classes if it is their first child to be Christened.
To the Catholic Church the baptism makes the child a member of the church. Being washed in holy water represents the washing away of original sin and being re-born into a new life in Christ. A Christening usually takes place in the local parish church during the main Sunday service so that the child can be welcomed into the church community. However, for those wanting a private ceremony, this can often be arranged with the priest.
In the Catholic Church one Godparent is seen as being sufficient and no more than two are permitted. Godparents should themselves have been baptised and usually it is a requirement that they have also been confirmed. Godparents are expected to instruct the child in matters concerning faith. If the parents wish to have a non-Catholic play a recognised role in their child’s life, the non-Catholic may be a ‘witness’ but not a Godparent.
Some priests will permit parents to choose readings for the service. Parents and Godparents will be asked to make promises and declarations that they believe in God and will raise the child to follow Christ. At the end of the service a candle may be lit in the church, or given to the parents, to represent the light that has come into their child’s life.
Mark the occasion with one of our unique personalised christening gifts.
Categorised as: Religion