CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR NEW BABY!

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Our parish community joins you in thanking God for the gift of new life.  The birth of your child is a very special joy for you and the Church is glad to share this joy with you.

Every parent wants the best for their child.  The birth of your baby causes you to pause and reflect on what you hope for this new life entrusted to you.  For Catholics this hope is expressed in Baptism and the invitation it offers your child to share in the life of the Spirit of God.

As parents, you are the first and most important teachers of your child's faith and spirituality.  You nourish God's gift of faith in your child and make it come alive for them by living and sharing your faith with them.  Your child will be carried to the baptismal font by your faith.

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Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism

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Steps to Baptism:

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1. Meet and Greet

2. Preparation Meeting

3. Welcome Ceremony

4. Baptism Ceremony

 

Meet and Greet:

Our preparation with you begins here.  All families in the Parishes of Swords and Rivervalley, presenting their child for Baptism are invited to come to Mass on the 1st Sunday of the month in St Finian's Church, River Valley at 10.00am followed by a Meet and Greet in Our Lady's Oratory. Towards the end of Mass you will be invited to come to Our Lady's Oratory to meet members of the Baptism Team and other families.  The Baptism process in our Parishes will be explained and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The process spans over a 4-month period

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Committing to Dates:

During the Meet and Greet you will choose dates for: 

Preparation meeting

Welcome Ceremony/Mass

Baptism Ceremony

Please note that the preparation meeting and welcome ceremony must be attended by at least one parent/guardian so that your child can be Baptised.  If any stage is missed you must rearrange it and the subsequent dates by contacting the Baptism Team.

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The Baptism Ceremony:

Baptism ceremonies take place on Sundays; you are welcome to choose either church:

St Colmcille's Church on the third Sunday of the month at 12.30pm

St Finian's River Valley on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 1.00pm

 

What you need to bring for your Baptism:

A Baptismal Candle and a White Garment are usually required.  The white garment can consist of an entire garment which is white, or simply a white shawl or both. The Baptism Candle can be decorated with symbols of Baptism or including the name of your son/daughter – but it does not have to be decorated. Baptism candles are available from the Parish.