St. Patrick's La Rochelle

Baptism Preparation

Giving the Soul the Character of Christ

Jesus answered; “Very truly I tell you: no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the spirit.” – John 3:5

Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as Sons of God
We become members of Christ’s Body
We are incorporated into the church and are made sharers in her mission.

Stpatricklarochelle_Baptism_2

The Elements and Symbols of a Catholic Baptism:

The Sign of The Cross
Water
Oil of Sacred Chrism and Catechumens
White Garment
Light (Candle)
Pascal Candle
Baptismal Font
Godparent

In Order to get Baptised into the Catholic Church, Parents need to:

  • Ask themselves the following questions:
  • Do you renounce sin so as to live in the freedom of the children of God?
  • Do you renounce the lure of evil, so that sin may have no mastery over you?
  • Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin?
  • Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
  • Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
  • 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?
  • Commit to bring children up as PRACTISING Catholics
  • Book an appointment with the Parish Priest, and bring with the following documents:
    • Birth Certificate (copy)
    • Godparents’ Catholic Confirmation Certificate (copy)

Baptism Pre-requisites:

Parents:

  • Must attend a 4–6-hour Preparation course (can be from anywhere in the world, but with proof)
  • May be a single parent

Godparents

  • Only one Godparent is necessary
  • MUST BE A PRACTISING CATHOLIC (Proof from their Parish Priest may be required)
  • Must be prepared to assist in the Faith Development of the child
  • Must attend a 4–6-hour Preparation course (can be from anywhere in the world, but with proof)

The Effects of Baptism are:

  • Purification from sin.
  • New Birth in the Holy Spirit.

The Baptism Ceremony:

The Baptism of Jesus
Family Requesting Baptism
Sign of the Cross
Annointing with Catechumens’ Oil
Epiclesis
Epiclesis (Calling Down of the Holy Spirit)
BlessingWater
Blessing of the Water
BaptisedWater
Baptism with Water 3 Times
Anointing with Chrism
White Garment
Receiving the Light of the Risen Christ
Opening of the Ears to Hear God’s Word
Solemn Blessing of the Parents