As the proud new parents of a child, can I extend to you best wishes and congratulations on the birth of your child! It is a time of great joy and fun for you and your extended family, if not the odd sleepless night.
Many parents still choose to have their chid baptised. It is through the Sacrament of Baptism that your child joins the family of the Church and the local faith community. It is also the gateway Sacrament to the reception of all the other Sacraments.
To help you to prepare for this special celebration here is some guidance which you may find useful.
Time and Date
To book a Baptism in the Parish, please contact Fr Donal on 090 66 21127 or email kilbegnetpp@gmail.com. Only the Parents of a child been presented for Baptism may book a baptism.
The time and date for the celebration of baptism in the parish is
- St Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet @ 12:30
- St Michaels Glinsk, @ 12:45
As a family if have a friend who is a Priest/deacon and you would like them to celebrate the Sacrament they are welcome to do so. If they are not a Priest/Deacon of the Diocese, they must present a vaild Celebret.
An application form must be completed and returned along with a copy of your child’s official state birth cert. The form to be completed can be downloaded here or one can be obtained from Fr Donal.
God Parents - What are the conditions for being a Godparent?
Only one Godparent is required. However, the norm is two, where this is the case, then it is one male and one female. (c.873) a maximum of two Godparents is permitted. They must be at least 16 years of age and also received the Sacrament of Confirmation, (c.873 & 874).
Baptismal Candle
On the day you will need to bring a Baptismal. It is lit from the paschal Candle, which is blessed and lit at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The Baptismal Candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered your Childs’s life and you as parents and god parents are asked to keep the flame of faith burning brightly in their lives.
Baptismal Register
Your baby’s baptism will be recorded in the parish Baptismal register. The surname entered in the register will be as is on your child’s state certificate. You are required to provide a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate when completing the application form.
In the years ahead proof of baptism may be obtained in form of a certificate issued based on the information held in the register for the purpose of receiving other sacraments. This must be requested by the parent/legal Guardian up to the age of 18. After that then the individual themselves must request the certificate. The register entry will also contain later entry for Confirmation, Marriage, or Ordination to Sacred Orders upon reception of these sacraments.
Access to the register is strictly restricted to the parish priest and secretary in the event of the parish having one.