BAPTISM
This is the first Sacrament that incorporates us into the Church.
Baptisms are usually held every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 am.
We accept 4 families per timeslot.
Preparation seminars are led by volunteer Catechists from Guardian Angels Parish and held every 3rd Sunday of each Month at 3pm in the Guardian Angels Church.
Requirements:
This is the first Sacrament that incorporates us into the Church.
Baptisms are usually held every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 am.
We accept 4 families per timeslot.
Preparation seminars are led by volunteer Catechists from Guardian Angels Parish and held every 3rd Sunday of each Month at 3pm in the Guardian Angels Church.
Requirements:
- Complete the Enrolment Form for Baptism (Download Form)
- Attach the Child's Birth Certificate (copy only)
- Attach at least one Parent's Catholic Baptism Certificate (copy only)
- Attach the Godparents' Catholic Baptism Certificate (copy only) (Preparing for Baptism Godparents)
- If you belong to a different Parish, a letter from your Parish of residence granting us permission to baptise your child at Guardian Angels Parish is also required.
- Preparation Seminar attendance, Kindly contact the Parish Office at 07 3853 7480 to book a slot. (required only for parents who have not completed the seminar for a previous child's baptism)
- Submit all documents to the Parish Office.
- To Book the Date of Baptism - Kindly contact the Parish Office at 07 3853 7480.
HOW TO CHOOSE A GODPARENT
WHAT IS A GODPARENT? Being a Godparent is one of the least understood jobs in the life of the Church. There are many reasons why someone is chosen as a Godparent: sometimes it is to honour family connections or friendship; sometimes parents look for responsible people “just-in-case”. It is not often that people have a clear sense of what a Godparent should “do” for the child, other than standing with them by the font on the day of baptism. But Godparents have a vital role to play, both in the celebration of Baptism and (more importantly) in all the years that follow.
Sign and Example
The first and most important role of a Godparent is to be a sign or witness to the child: perhaps a better word is example.
The chosen Godparent's life is to show the child what it is to be someone who follows Jesus – to be a good example for them.
Will the child see an inspiring example in them?
A Catholic godparent will also be expected to give a very specific example of membership of the Catholic Church. If the person does not take part in the life of the Church, you may have to give this some thought, since the Godparent will be promising to help the parents introduce the child to the Faith.
The Godparent should also take an interest in the child’s spiritual development. As a godparent, it is very suitable to give gifts which will help a child pray as they grow up: remember the job spec – “Godparent” includes the word “God”!
Helper and Supporter
A Godparent promises to help the parents of the child. This help will take many forms – it is about support, encouragement, friendship and more – it may even include the “just in case” scenario.
A Godparent will have to be someone who plans to be close to the parents and the child for many years to come.
Friend and Companion
Being a Godparent is a job for life, which will change as the years go by.
t the beginning, the emphasis will be on supporting the parents of the child.
But as the child grows older, the role will change: The godparent should become more available to the child - becoming known as a friend they can trust, someone they can take problems to, someone with a listening ear.
Promising to be a Godparent isn’t just about a baby by the font: it is also about the godson or goddaughter’s first day at school, their teenage angst, finding a job, getting married and so on…
WHAT DO WE DO IN CHURCH?
In the celebration of Baptism the Godparents' role is very straightforward. They will stand and sit next to the parents, as a sign that they are supporting and helping them.
In the Baptism Service, they will stand with the parents to make the “Baptismal Promises” - good, loud confident responses are better than apologetic mumbles! The whole text of these promises is printed below:
THE BAPTISMAL PROMISES
Priest: Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's children?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Priest: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Other than this, all Godparents have to do in the ceremony is listen and take part. The real work comes later...
AFTER THE BAPTISM
Once the ceremony is ended, the work of the Godparents begin! There are a lot of ideas for things to do after Baptism.
As a Godparent, they help to mark important events in the child’s life such as birthdays and the anniversary of their baptism— normally this is with a small gift.
When the time comes for Confirmation and First Communion, they should be around to support the parents in all the preparations and celebrations. It would be wonderful to mark other milestones—such as transitions to and from schools, recovery after illnesses, achievements and so on.
It is always worth remembering that Godparents have a responsibility to represent God and the Church to the child.
hey should be on hand along with parents to introduce children to prayers, Sunday Mass, talking about God—all according to the age and ability of the child.
