Baptism is the introduction of your child into the Church community. Through the waters of Baptism your child is enters into the life of God - Father, Son and Spirit. Your child is dedicated to God and all that is good.

If you are wanting to have your baby baptised the first step is to go and see your parish priest or his representative. It's best to ring up make an appointment first rather than try and catch him at the end of Mass.

You may be asked to come along for a meeting and talk about the meaning of Baptism and what it is you are asking of the Church.

Parishes vary as to what they expect of parents bringing a child for Baptism. It is good to see any preparation for Baptism as an opportunity for you to understand more about what you are asking for your child rather than a hurdle to be jumped.

If you are a regular member of the local Church, Baptism is a wonderful opportunity for your fellow parishioners to share your joy in your new baby. This is why Baptism is often done during a Mass so that as many people as possible can welcome your child into the community.

The Preparations
Apart from any preparation you are asked to do by the priest there will be your own preparations for the service.

• Invitations
• Godparents
• Service
• Reception

Invitations
Its really up to you who to invite. Obviously Grandparents will expect an invitation.
Its nice to bring any brothers and sisters along and most people want to have a good number of family and friends.

Baptism is a formal 'thank you' to God for the gift of your child.
It is a great opportunity for family and friends to get together and rejoice and give thanks with you.

Godparents
It is good if the godparents can be adult Catholics who will take an interest in your baby as he or she grows up.

In the early Church the godparents were sponsors who taught the new Christian, usually an adult, about the faith.

Later on when infant baptism became usual, the godparents often took the role of guardians of the child if anything happened to the parents. Something of these two roles remain today.

Choose godparents who are likely to be around and have an interest in your child over the years.

Reception
Its nice if all the guests at the baptism can be invited to a reception afterwards.
Usually baptism receptions are informal affairs at a family house.

Don't feel shy about giving grandparents, family or friends the chance to help with the catering - they will often be more than delighted to help out. Giving people the opportunity to meet, talk, catch up with distant relatives and make new friends is important.