Remembering your child’s baptism
Who was your godfather or
godmother? What was the date of your own baptism? If you don’t know or can’t
remember, there is a real problem. Your baptism day should be as important as
your birthday.
Your child should know
this information. Here is a way you can help them.
On every anniversary of your child’s baptism, hold a
little party. Invite the godparents to attend. If they can’t come, ask them to
write a note or send a small congratulations card to the child. At the party,
share pictures of the baptism and the baptism garment. Describe the scene of
that day, the weather, church and priest. Renew your faith with the child by
using the service below.
The ceremony should be conducted by
one of the Godparents, if one is present. Otherwise, the parents might take
turns conducting it. Start by lighting a small candle – not the one given to
the child.
GODPARENT: We have gathered together to remember
the Baptism of a very special person, (name of child). We were with
her/him (number) years ago to celebrate that Sacrament. It was really
only the beginning of her/his Baptism, because the Sacrament must continue to
grow throughout her/his life. As Godparents and parents, are we all willing to
help (name) continue that growth process?
PARENTS & GODPARENTS: We
are!
GODPARENT: Are you (name of child) ready
to renew your commitment to Jesus, which was made on the day of your baptism?
CHILD:
I am! (If
the child is not old enough, the parents may speak.)
GODPARENT: Do you reject sin, so as to live in
God’s freedom?
CHILD: I do!
GODPARENT: Do you reject the glamour of evil
and refuse to be mastered by sin?
CHILD: I do!
GODPARENT: Do you reject Satan, the father of sin
and darkness?
CHILD: I do!
GODPARENT: Do you believe in God, the Father
almighty, maker of heaven and earth?
CHILD: I do!
GODPARENT: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his
only Son, our Lord, who was crucified, die and was buried, rose from the dead
and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
CHILD: I do!
GODPARENT:
Do you believe in the
Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the forgiveness of sins, and
life-everlasting?
CHILD: I do!
GODPARENT:
At your baptism you were
given a blessed candle to show your faith in Jesus Christ, who is the light of
the world. We now invite you to relight that candle.
The
child lights the baptism candle from the small candle lit at the start of the
service.
GODPARENT: As you hold your beacon of faith,
let’s pray the way Jesus taught us.
ALL: Our Father… Amen.
PARENTS:
(together) Heavenly
Father, we praise you for having given us the gift of this child. We have tried
to be good parents, setting examples of faith and love. Please bless our
daughter/son with your protection and mercy. Help us to continue to be good
parents and to inspire our child by our lives. Keep our marriage holy, our
faith strong, and our family always in your love.
ALL:
Amen!
End the service by singing the hymn, Let there be peace on earth. The
child may then extinguish the candle.