“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons & daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
If you wish to have your child baptised please contact your parish priest.
Baptism Times in the Pastoral Area are as follows:
Darver & Dromiskin
St. Peter’s Church Dromiskin: Saturdays 6.30pm & Sunday at 12.45 p.m.
St. Michael’s Church Darver: Sunday 12.30p.m.
Kilkerley: By appointment
Knockbridge: The 3rd Sunday of every month after the 11 a.m. Mass
Louth: By appointment
When you present your child for Baptism, you are asking the church to receive your child as a member of the Body of Christ here on earth. You are also making a commitment to your child to help him or her to become an active member of our community of faith.
Parents are asked to participate in some preparation before the baptism of their children; a member of the baptism team from your parish will contact you before your child’s baptism is to take place. You will be asked to attend a short preparation course before your child’s baptism ceremony. During this course a member of the Baptism Team will explain the ceremony so that it does not come as a surprise and you can enjoy the day more. It is a great way to answer any questions you may have and the theology of the sacrament of baptism, as well as practical aspects of the ceremony itself will be discussed with you.
What are the requirements for parents?
Our hope and desire in this Pastoral Area is that parents presenting their child for baptism do so with the full intention of taking an active role in the faith formation of their child.
Godparents
The church requires at least one godparent who is a practicing, confirmed Catholic age 16 or older. The role of the godparent is also to support and encourage the child on his/her faith journey.
We have included a copy of the Baptismal Ceremony and scripture readings that are used during the ceremony.
The celebrant usually chooses a reading from these reading. However, you may find a particular reading among those included that has a special meaning for you and your family. You can discuss this with the celebrant.